CFD prediction of ship motions and bow loads in short-crested irregular waves

A numerical tank for three-dimensional short-crested irregular waves is established to improve the theoretical prediction accuracy using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The research uses the KCS model as a target ship to predict navigational status in irregular waves. It summarises the variation in ship motions with different speeds, wave heights, and wave directions. The development processes and characteristics of the bow loads, including bow slamming and green water, are investigated by a series of monitoring points located on the hull shell and deck. The bow load distributions and their variation in different marine environments are also illustrated. Finally, the three-dimensional short-crest effect is analysed by comparing ship motions and bow loads in short-crested and long-crested waves. The research indicates that short-crested peak waves can excite both heave and roll motions, resulting in more pronounced asymmetric distributions of bow loads. This research can improve the understanding of short-crested waves and guide actual ship navigation.