Numerical simulation of transom-stern waves

TL;DR

This paper presents numerical simulations of complex transom-stern wave flows using the NFA code, demonstrating the current capabilities in modeling ship-generated breaking waves under various operating conditions.

Contribution

The study applies the NFA code to simulate transom-stern wave flows, providing insights into wet- and dry-transom conditions and advancing numerical modeling of breaking waves.

Findings

Numerical predictions match experimental data for transom wave flows.

Simulations capture the transition between wet and dry transom conditions.

The results demonstrate the state of the art in ship wave simulation.

Abstract

The flow field generated by a transom-stern hullform is a complex, broad-banded, three-dimensional phenomenon marked by a large breaking wave. This unsteady multiphase turbulent flow feature is difficult to study experimentally and simulate numerically. The results of a set of numerical simulations, which use the Numerical Flow Analysis (NFA) code, of the flow around the Model 5673 transom stern at speeds covering both wet- and dry-transom operating conditions are shown in the accompanying fluid dynamics video. The numerical predictions for wet-transom and dry-transom conditions are presented to demonstrate the current state of the art in the simulation of ship generated breaking waves. The interested reader is referred to Drazen et al. (2010) for a detailed and comprehensive comparison with experiments conducted at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD).