DES-based computation of the flow around the DARPA suboff

Abstract

Flow modelling is a key issue not only for the correct prediction of hull-propeller interactions, manoeuvring characteristics and the flow field in the stern region of any marine vehicle, but also for the correct estimation of the fuel consumption. The paper describes a thorough investigation of the hydrodynamic performances of the DARPA suboff hull. The flow is numerically simulated by integrating in time the unsteady Navier-Stokes equations in which closure to the turbulence is achieved by means of a modified detached eddy simulation (DES hereafter) technique. The solver used for the purpose is the ISIS-CFD, part of the Numeca FineTM/Marine suite, which employs the finite volume of fluid technique. A comparative analysis between the numerical solutions based on the DES and explicit algebraic stress model (EASM hereafter) are provided in an attempt to sustain the choice for the turbulence model in the present study. Extensive parallel computations are carried out on 120 processors for which comparisons with the experimental data prove the accuracy of the chosen investigation methodology. A grid convergence test is performed for verification and validation purposes.