Numerical study of the interaction between the pure loss of stability, surf-riding, and broaching on ship capsizing

Abstract

Ship capsizing in stern quartering wave is very complicate with a strong correlation to the stability failure modes proposed in second-generation intact stability criteria. It is of great importance to shed some light on this complex phenomenon. In this study, the capsizing behavior of a free-running ONR Tumblehome model in stern quartering seas is investigated by an unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) solver coupled with dynamic overset grid approach. Validation study of the URANS solver is performed for the prediction of extreme roll motion of the ship. The comparisons show satisfactory agreement, with an average difference less than 3% between the simulation and experimental results. The correlation between the occurrence of stability failure modes (surf-riding, pure loss of stability, and broaching) and ship capsizing is then assessed under different ship speed and heading angle conditions. It is concluded that the capsizing occurs as the free-running ship sailing with a high speed, which is caused by the interaction between the broaching and severe stability loss. In addition, influenced by the wave-induced moment, both the pure loss of stability and surf-riding modes may cause the broaching, indicating the similar occurring condition and strong relation between these stability failure modes.