Increasing the Reliability of Simulation Tests in Navigation and Maneuvering Simulators Using the k-Epsilon Model Based on the RANS Method.

Krzysztof Czaplewski,Slawomir Swierczynski,Piotr Zwolan

doi:10.3390/s21154995

Krzysztof Czaplewski, Slawomir Swierczynski + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s21154995

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Abstract

The influence of wind on the maneuverability of sea-going vessels is a known factor limiting their maneuverability, especially in the case of very large vessels. Adverse weather conditions often limit the maneuverability of vessels or even make it impossible to enter the port. This results in longer delivery times for transported goods as well as measurable material losses for both carriers and their owners. This situation is often caused by a lack of information on differences in the prevailing weather conditions at the entrance to the port and at the seaport itself. There are simulation tools, such as the methods of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), which, after their appropriate adaptation and use in a virtual environment, have become important decision-making tools supporting the port administration when deciding about the movement of vessels. In this article, the authors present the results of research aimed at adapting one of the CFD methods for the needs of maritime navigation. The effects of the work were verified in a virtual environment and were successfully implemented in the port waters of Gdansk, Poland.

Highlights

The influence of wind on the maneuverability of sea-going vessels is a known factor limiting their maneuverability, especially in the case of very large vessels
With the use of ready-made models available in the service databases for the needs of, for example, spatial planning; On the basis of plans, maps, and satellite photos in computer-aided design (CAD) applications; Based on data obtained from devices—i.e., a laser scanner or drone; Creating a new, non-existent model from scratch in a CAD-type application
Computer simulation was started, wind yielding resultsrecorded that were useful for the air inlet

Summary

General Characteristics of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Computational fluid dynamics is a computer method of analysis that uses numerical methods and enables the fast, efficient, and accurate simulation of fluid flow and heat transfer in complex geometric systems [18]. Many turbulence models are used when using CFD applications to calculate fluid flow or air mass distribution These models are classified according to the main equation and the numerical method. For example in [27], the k-epsilon (k-ε) turbulence model is the most commonly used model in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and is used to simulate average flow characteristics for fully turbulent flow conditions. This model was used in this research project. It contains a modified turbulent viscosity formulation to account for the transport effect in terms of major shear stresses

The Concept of Using CFD in Navigation and Maneuvering Simulators

Testing

11. Numerical

Results of CFD Simulation

Comparison

Conclusions