Virtual Model Basin for Resistance, Maneuvering, and Seakeeping: A RANS CFD Based Approach

A Virtual Model Basin (VMB) is developed based on a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach to solving the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations along with the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method for predicting the free surface. The primary objective of this work is to develop methodologies for the VMB and to demonstrate the capabilities for a generic multi-hull ship geometry. The VMB is used to simulate various model basin tests for steady resistance, maneuvering and seakeeping. For a generic catamaran hull configuration, the methodologies are used for solving these problems and the results are discussed in this paper. VMB results are compared with the results of a benchmarked potential flow theory method for calm water resistance.