Exploring the Use of the Finite Point Method in Validating Free Surface Flows and Fluid-Structure Interactions Around a Naval Hull

Abstract

This paper explores the use of the incompressible and viscous Finite Point Method (FPM) embedded within a generic structural finite element software suite to validate free surface flows and fluid-structure interactions around a naval hull. The study proposed an inflow-outflow and towing tank setup to investigate the wake wave profiles, and wave-making resistance around the model DTMB5415 naval hull. FPM was successful in predicting the wake wave profiles relatively well without major deviations. The viscous effects were found to increase the accuracy of the wave profiles without much dissipation in the wave propagation. Both methods of simulation also accurately captured the wave-making resistance between the Froude number of 0.15 and 0.4 but tended to overpredict at other speeds. Although still water results for a rigid hull have been presented here, the results are an encouraging first-look at the use of a structural solver with embedded fluid coupling for analysing ship response. The long-term goal is to use the same modelling approach with waves and fully structural models within the single software suite.