On the Hydrodynamic Interaction Between Ship and Free-Surface Motions on Vessels With Moonpools

Abstract

Abstract Coupling between moonpool resonance and vessel motion is investigated in two-dimensional and quasi three-dimensional settings, where the models are studied in forced heave and in freely floating conditions. The two-dimensional setups are with a recess, while the quasi three-dimensional setups are without recess. One configuration with recess is presented for the two-dimensional case, while three different moonpool sizes (without recess) are tested for the quasi three-dimensional setup. A large number of forcing periods, and three wave steepnesses are tested. Boundary Element Method (BEM) and Viscous BEM (VBEM) time-domain codes based on linear potential flow theory, and a Navier–Stokes solver with linear free-surface and body-boundary conditions, are implemented to investigate resonant motion of the free-surface and the model. Damping due to flow separation from the sharp corners of the moonpool inlets is shown to matter for both vessel motions and moonpool response around the piston mode. In general, the CFD simulations compare well with the experimental results. BEM over-predicts the response significantly at resonance. VBEM provides improved results compared to the BEM, but still over-predicts the response. In the two-dimensional study there are significant coupling effects between heave, pitch and moonpool responses. In the quasi three-dimensional tests, the coupling effect is reduced significantly as the moonpool dimensions relative to the displaced volume of the ship is reduced. The first sloshing mode is investigated in the two-dimensional case. The studies show that damping due to flow separation is dominant. The vessel motions are unaffected by the moonpool response around the first sloshing mode.