Effects of diffraction in regular head waves on added resistance and wake using CFD

Abstract

This paper employs computational tools to investigate the diffraction effects in regular head waves on the added resistance and wake on the propeller plane. The objective ships are a 66,000 DWT bulk carrier and a 3,600 TEU container ship. Fixed and free to heave and pitch conditions at design speed have been taken into account. Two-phase unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations have been solved using the finite volume method; and a realizable k-ε model has been applied for the turbulent closure. The free surface is obtained by solving a VOF equation. The computations are carried out at the same scale of the model tests. Grid and numerical wave damping zones are applied to remove unwanted wave reflection at the boundaries. The computational results are analyzed using the Fourier series. The added resistances in waves at the free condition are higher than those at the fixed condition, which are nearly constant for all wavelengths. The wake velocity in waves is higher than that in calm water, and is accelerated where the wave crest locates on the propeller plane. When the vertical motion at the stern goes upward, the wake velocity also accelerated.