Numerical study of nominal wake fields of a container ship in oblique regular waves

Abstract

Accurate estimation of the actual nominal wake behind the ship in waves is important for propeller designers when improving efficiency and minimizing cavitation. The present CFD study investigates the nominal wake fields of the Kriso Container Ship (KCS) in regular waves with wavelength equal to the ship length in five different headings. The ship is sailing at design speed and the wave steepness is 1/60. The results show that when sailing in the studied waves, the nominal wake fraction fluctuate up to 39% of the mean nominal wake fraction. The mean nominal wake fraction is higher than in calm water for all headings besides head sea waves. The maximum mean nominal wake fraction is found to occur in stern quartering sea waves, with a 16% higher mean nominal wake fraction than in calm water. It is also found that the transient bilge vortex and shadow from the skeg have a significant influence on the nominal wake field. Finally the study shows that the modified advance angle on the r/R=0.7 circle in the propeller plane varies 3.5 degrees more in port stern quartering than in calm water, increasing the risk of cavitation.