A numerical simulation method for the flow around floating bodies in regular waves using a three-dimensional rectilinear grid system

Abstract

The motion of a floating body and the free surface flow are the most important design considerations for ships and offshore platforms. In the present research, a numerical method is developed to simulate the motion of a floating body and the free surface using a fixed rectilinear grid system. The governing equations are the continuity equation and Navier–Stokes equations. The boundary of a moving body is defined by the interaction points of the body surface and the centerline of a grid. To simulate the free surface the Modified Marker-Density method is implemented. Ships advancing in regular waves, the interaction of waves by a fixed circular cylinder array and the response amplitude operators of an offshore platform are simulated and the results are compared with published research data to check the applicability. The numerical method developed in this research gives results good enough for application to the initial design stage.

Keywords

• Floating body
• Rectilinear grid
• Modified marker-density method
• Wave interaction