Session: 08-01-03 AI Driven Autonomous Navigation, Collision Avoidance & Optimization

Submission Number: 181881

Numerical Investigation of the Influence of the Step Configuration on the Hull Performance of an Unmanned Surface Vessel 

The demand for autonomous high-speed surface vessels (ASV) is rapidly increasing in defence, security, and maritime safety applications. Such platforms are vital for missions including coastal surveillance, search and rescue, force protection, and the deployment and recovery of micro–unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD)–based numerical investigation of planing hull performance as part of a research and development project.

The primary objectives are to predict hydrodynamic resistance, dynamic trim, and overall performance for different hull designs concepts and trim configurations.

For the initial hull designs the preliminary resistance of was computed using the Savitsky method and through preliminary CFD studies. Based on the findings, a detailed, unsteady, turbulent, high-fidelity CFD simulation model is set-up and evaluated by mesh convergence study. The established CFD model is then used to evaluate resistance and trim under dynamic conditions.
Next, to prepare the subsequent model tests, additional CFD calculations are conducted to find a suitable model scale and experimental setup for towing tank tests.
In addition the effect of numerical ventilation at the wetted surface is further investigated, an issue with practical implications for accurate prediction of planing performance.

The outcomes provide essential guidance in selecting the most effective hull design for unmanned, high-speed operations.
Beyond design selection, the results establish a computational methodology that can be extended to manoeuvring and seakeeping studies, ultimately contributing to the development of autonomous vessels with reliable hydrodynamic performance, robust decision-making capability, and mission adaptability in complex maritime environments.

Presenting Author: Henry Piehl Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering

Presenting Author Biography: Associate Professor at the Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering, Alesund, Norway

Research field: Numerical Fluid Mechanics

Authors:

Henry Piehl Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering
Pavlos Loizou Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute CMMI
Ashok Kumar Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute CMMI
Philipp Mucha Siemens Digital Industries Software
Dong Trong Nguyen Department of Marine Technology NTNU