• International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.20-26
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• 2011

A weakly nonlinear seakeeping methodology for predicting motions and loads is presented in this paper. This methodology assumes linear radiation and diffraction forces, calculated in the frequency domain, and fully nonlinear Froude-Krylov and hydrostatic forces, evaluated in the time domain. The particular approach employed here allows to overcome numerical problems connected to the determination of the impulse response functions. The procedure is divided into three consecutive steps: evaluation of dynamic sinkage and trim in calm water that can significantly influence the final results, a linear seakeeping analysis in the frequency domain and a weakly nonlinear simulation. The first two steps are performed employing a three-dimensional Rankine panel method. Nonlinear Froude-Krylov and hydrostatic forces are computed in the time domain by pressure integration on the actual wetted surface at each time step. Although nonlinear forces are evaluated into the time domain, the equations of motion are solved in the frequency domain iteratively passing from the frequency to the time domain until convergence. The containership S175 is employed as a test case for evaluating the capability of this methodology to correctly predict the nonlinear behavior related to wave induced motions and loads in head seas; numerical results are compared with experimental data provided in literature.

• International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2011

In the proposed paper numerical calculations are carried out using two versions of a three-dimensional, timedomain panel method developed by the group of Prof. P. Sclavounos at MIT, i.e. the linear code SWAN2, enabling optionally the use of the instantaneous non-linear Froude-Krylov and hydrostatic forces and the fully non-linear SWAN4. The analytical results are compared with experimental results for three hull forms with increasing geometrical complexity, the Series 60, a reefer vessel with stern bulb and a modern fast ROPAX hull form with hollow bottom in the stern region. The details of the geometrical modeling of the hull forms are discussed. In addition, since SWAN4 does not support transom sterns, only the two versions of SWAN2 were evaluated over experimental results for the parent hull form of the NTUA double-chine, wide-transom, high-speed monohull series. The effect of speed on the numerical predictions was investigated. It is concluded that both versions of SWAN2 the linear and the one with the non-linear Froude-Krylov and hydrostatic forces provide a more robust tool for prediction of the dynamic response of the vessels than the non-linear SWAN4 code. In general, their results are close to what was expected on the basis of experience. Furthermore, the use of the option of non-linear Froude-Krylov and hydrostatic forces is beneficial for the accuracy of the predictions. The content of the paper is based on the Diploma thesis of the second author, supervised by the first one and further refined by the third one.

• Ocean Systems Engineering
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.219-236
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• 2013

The accurate prediction of motion in waves of a marine vehicle is essential to assess the maximum sea state vs. operational requirements. This is particularly true for small crafts, such as Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASV). Two different numerical methods to predict motions of a SWATH-ASV are considered: an inviscid strip theory initially developed at MIT for catamarans and then adapted for SWATHs and new a hybrid strip theory, based on the numerical solution of the radiation forces by an unsteady viscous, non-linear free surface flow solver. Motion predictions obtained by the viscous flow method are critically discussed against those obtained by potential flow strip theory. Effects of viscosity are analyzed by comparison of sectional added mass and damping calculated at different frequencies and for different sections, RAOs and motions response in irregular waves at zero speed. Some relevant conclusions can be drawn from this study: influence of viscosity is definitely non negligible for SWATH vessels like the one presented: amplitude of the pitch and heave motions predicted at the resonance frequency differ of 20% respectively and 50%; in this respect, the hybrid method with fully non-linear, viscous free surface calculation of the radiation forces turns out to be a very valuable tool to improve the accuracy of traditional strip theories, without the burden of long computational times requested by fully viscous time domain three dimensional simulations.