High-Fidelity Numerical Tank for Simulation of Hydroelastic Responses of Whole-Ship Structures in 3D Sea Waves

Abstract

Current classification society guidelines, numerical and experimental methods usually idealize complex whole-ship structures as 1D backbone beam models in the determination of loads and responses for simplification. However, it neglects local structures in the whole-ship structures and complex fluid-structure interactions in realistic multi-directional waves. This paper proposes a practical simulation method for a short-crested irregular wave tank to compute wave-induced asymmetric motions and local loads considering hydroelasticity of a whole-ship structure in full scale. For this purpose, a full-scale finite element model is established in FEM solver and integrated with a CFD solver in a CFD-FEM two-way coupled manner. Then, based on the superposition wave model, a high-fidelity three-dimensional irregular wave tank is built, which is capable of simulating arbitrary sea states and various wave headings. The results of generated waves are analyzed first, which is proved to be reliable and accurate. Ship motions and local stress distributions in realistic waves are then discussed. This study provides a high-fidelity numerical tank for a deeper understanding of the stress and load distribution on the whole ship under realistic wave environment. This advancement supports more accurate structural design, optimization and assessment.

Keywords

Whole-ship structure / Short-crested waves / Full-scale simulation / Numerical wave tank / Flexible fluid-structure interaction / Stress distribution

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