Numerical study on hydrodynamic interaction between two parallel surge-released ships advancing in head regular waves based on the hybrid method

Abstract

This study examines the hydrodynamic interaction between two parallel surge-released ships in head regular waves. A hybrid approach combining potential flow theory and functional-decomposition URANS is used for an efficient and accurate simulation. The methodology involves a surge-released module, 4DOF motion equations, multiple coordinate systems, and a dynamic structured grid. Two ship models are used for validation, comparing numerical and experimental results in ship motions and wave loads. The analysis shows good agreement, with differences of less than 5 % in heave and pitch motions, less than 8 % in roll motions, and less than 15 % in total resistance and sway interference forces. Present study also observes consistent trajectories of the wave system between the two ships. The influence of surge motion and wave height on wave-ship-ship interaction is investigated, emphasizing the importance of considering surge motion in seakeeping performance and longitudinal separation. The occurrence of parametric roll in Ship B is accurately resolved by the hybrid method and the parametric roll amplitude is smaller under ship-to-ship interaction conditions. Wave-induced moments play a limited role in this phenomenon, while the dominating roll restoring moment exhibits a hardening effect. Accordingly, roll motion and moments remain relatively unchanged with increasing wave height, indicating the strong nonlinear nature of parametric roll.