Seakeeping CFD Analysis

Seakeeping simulations using CFD are often used when nonlinear effects are expected. The nonlinearities can be present due to different reasons: the nonlinearities of the wave field, i.e. if the wave field is steep and nonlinear;  due to high relative motion of the vessel due to its size relative to waves; or due to complex and intricate geometry such as moonpools or appendages. Standard potential-flow based tools are not adequate for these sorts of problems, which is why CFD is a popular solution.

Accelerations and comfort

For smaller, faster crafts, crew and passanger comfort is often paramount. Monohuls and catamarans with size up to about 60 meters can expect nonlinear interaction with the wave field, especially if these are planning vessels. CFD can offer accuratge motion and acceleration data that which can be directly translated into varios comfort criteria, such as the Motion Sickness Index, or simply vertical or horizontal acceleration tresholds.

Seakeeping simulations for predicting Wave impact loads: slamming, wave in deck

Highly transient phenomena such as slamming and wave in deck can be challenging to estimate in the design phase. CFD is good at predicting high pressure loads due to these rare events. Pressure probes can be placed on varios places at the hull plating to sample pressure during the simulations. Compressible air numerical models are available to handle trapped air pocket events that can influence the wave impact response.