Abstract
The average and unsteady hydrodynamics of an inland convoy passing bridge piers in a confined waterway were investigated using both numerical and experimental approaches. The numerical simulations are realized by solving the RANS (Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes) equations accounting for the solid body motion using the sliding mesh technique, while the experiments were carried out in the towing tank. The advancing resistance, trim, sinkage and ship-generated waves were analyzed as functions of the water depth, distance between bridge piers, draught and velocity. The existence of the piers is found to only influence the transient hydrodynamics of the convoy, but not the averaged properties. The ship-generated waves, especially the wave profiles at a specific lateral position, were characterized. Two wave crests exist at the pier position because of the additional reflections, creating a very complex wave pattern in the confined waterway.
Highlights
The interactions between ships and structures in water are of great importance, and include ship overtaking, passing moored vessels, crossing bridge piers, etc
With a smaller pier distance, the oscillation of the5 resistance is stronger since the space restriction is increased
The resistance changes intensively near the position ξ sb = 0 where the centers of the convoy and the piers coincide during the passing process
Summary
The interactions between ships and structures in water are of great importance, and include ship overtaking, passing moored vessels, crossing bridge piers, etc. Tan and Gan [22] mathematically studied the influence of water level on ship-bridge collision They concluded that the turbulence area near the bridge pier has a negative impact on safe passage. The results confirmed that this bridge obstructs the brackish outflow surface layer, which induces increased local mixing near the bridge, causes pooling of water (up-current) during ebb and flood, and results in shadow/sheltering of water (down-current) The study of this phenomenon is still worthy, which is promising to uncover the unsteady hydrodynamic process and give useful insights and suggestions for ship maneuvering actions. The advancing resistance, squat and wave patterns are analyzed and characterized
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