Marine CFD — Ship Hydrodynamics & Ocean Engineering
Resistance and propulsion prediction, free surface wave making, propeller cavitation, seakeeping simulation, and offshore structure hydrodynamics.
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Quick Explainer
What makes marine CFD different from aerodynamic CFD?
Marine CFD involves a free surface — the water-air interface — requiring two-phase VOF treatment. Wave-making resistance (from hull-generated waves) can be 30-50% of total resistance at high speed. Propeller cavitation (vapor bubble formation) is a critical concern absent in aerodynamics.
How is ship resistance decomposed and what does CFD predict well versus poorly?
Total resistance = wave-making + viscous (friction + pressure drag). CFD with VOF+RANS predicts wave-making resistance well. Viscous friction is well-predicted. Propeller-hull interaction, rudder forces, and extreme sea states with breaking waves remain challenging.