Study on the Manoeuvring Performance of a Fishing Vessel Based on CFD Simulation of the Hull Forms and Rudder Shapes

Abstract

To evaluate manoeuvring performance of merchant ships, the mathematical modeling group (MMG) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used. However, it is difficult to use the MMG to evaluate the manoeuvring performance of fishing vessels, thus research using CFD simulations is necessary. Also, since the course-changing and turning ability is crucial in fishing operations, a rudder design suitable for fishing vessels is necessary. This study designs a rudder using National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) airfoil sections and evaluates its manoeuvring performance. A CFD model is used to evaluate the manoeuvring performance of the fishing vessel, and turning and zig-zag tests are conducted. The effectiveness of using CFD simulations based on Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations to assess the manoeuvring performance of fishing vessels was validated. No significant difference was found in the manoeuvring performance for hull forms and rudder designs for course-changing ability. However, the original hull form showed superior turning performance. Among five rudders with varying aspect ratios and shapes, the rudder with 5.5% aspect ratio had the best turning performance. Regarding the rudder design for fishing vessels, NACA airfoil was employed, and a rudder aspect ratio of 5.5% based on the immersed hull side area is recommended.