Numerical Estimation and Validation of Drag Force for KCS Hull using STAR CCM+

Abstract

Resistance prediction is mandatory for the optimal ship design and propulsion power requirement. This paper presents the resistance prediction of a container ship model, SVA KCS in calm water using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) commercial software STARCCM+. It uses Reynolds Navier stokes equation for solving the numerical model. The numerical results of the KCS hull in calm water with the available experimental results are compared. A virtual towing tank experiment allowing all 3 DOF (heave pitch and surge) with the propeller propelling behind the ship at self-propulsion point is conducted. The result includes total drag force (shear & pressure), average sinkage and trim data. Rendered free surface visualization, pressure distribution and wake pattern has also been included. Furthermore, EHP (Estimated Hull performance) module of STARCCM+ has been used to predict the resistance of same hull. The obtained results demonstrate that the commercial CFD software STARCCM+ has the capability to predict the resistance, sinkage and trim of a ship hull. Subsequently, using EHP, automated module setup time and errors are greatly reduced.