Session: 08-02-01 Maneuvering

Paper Number: 79779

79779 - Study on Hydrodynamic Performance of a Conceptional Sea-Train 

Abstract: Multiple vessels are physically connected or non-physically connected to form a formation to navigate together in the sea, forming a " Sea-Train". The " Sea-Train" is a new concept of multi-vessel navigation, which minimizes the collective resistance of the " Sea-Train" system by reasonably optimizing the lateral and longitudinal distance of each vessel and utilizing the favorable wave interference between the hulls, with the aim to obtain drag reduction performance and increase the endurance. The paper will take the Wigley hull as an example. In this paper, based on the STAR-CCM+ software platform, a numerical simulation of the resistance of the sea-train is carried out by solving the Navier-Stokes equation based on the VOF method and the K-Epsilon model, and the variation of the resistance of sea-train with the speed and longitudinal distance. The resistance of sea-train at different speed is investigated, and the hydrodynamic disturbance characteristics are analyzed. The drag characteristics and wave patterns of sea-train are analyzed, and the drag of sea-train and the variation of the longitudinal distance of each ship are summarized respectively. It is proposed to explore the mechanism of drag reduction of sea-train navigation and provide theoretical basis for the layout optimization of sea-train under different speed. 

Keywords: numerical simulation; hydrodynamics; drag reduction; formation; sea-train

Presenting Author: Yan Qin Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Authors:

Yan Qin Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Chaobang Yao Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Yi Zheng China Marine Development and Research Cente
Jianghao Huang Huazhong University of Science and Technology