Numerical approach for predicting the slamming loads in oblique long waves considering the wave-body interface

Abstract

Ship slamming is quite common for ongoing ships, which involves complex wave-body interaction. However, our understanding on the ship slamming is limited to symmetrical cases. In this paper, a numerical approach was established to predict the asymmetric slamming loads in oblique long waves through combining the seakeeping theory and CFD technology. A reference coordinate system located on the wave surface was applied to transfer the ship slamming problems into asymmetrical water entry cases, where the inclination wave-body interface and asymmetrical ship motions were included. Numerical verifications including the CFD method, different water entry models, 3D effects and wave effects were carried out to discuss the applicability. Taking a 21K TEU container ship as an example, the characteristics of slamming loads under oblique long waves were further discussed through combining the free surface evolution and pressure distribution. The results demonstrate that the wave direction has significant influence on the slamming loads. This method can provide a high-efficiency prediction for slamming loads in oblique long waves with reasonable accuracy, which is quite useful at present to serve the impact strength design.