A Reduced Modeling Methodology for Efficient Ocean Wave CFD Simulation of Fully Submerged Structures

Complex offshore engineering problems are frequently solved using elaborate multiphase CFD models. As part of the procedures, realistic free surface information and wave characteristics are gained at the price of a high computation cost. This is particularly restrictive when multiple CFD simulations are required in the process of analyzing and optimizing a structure. In order to increase the simulation efficiency, a reduced ocean wave model is introduced for the analysis of fully submerged structures. The wave velocities and pressure computed with the model are analyzed and compared to reference solutions. Following, a correction model is introduced that reduces deviations observed in the pressure solution. Finally, the methodology is applied to the computation of wave loads as part of an elaborate design study. The results of the reduced wave modeling methodology match well with the solutions computed using a multiphase Volume of Fluid model, at a significantly lower computation cost.