CFD ANALYSIS OF THE BANK EFFECTS ON A DTMB5415 MODEL IN STRAIGHT COURSE IN A NARROW CHANNEL

The objectives of this summer research were to use computer simulations to estimate the effects of a ship travelling through a narrow channel and near a bank. When a ship is in a confined waterway, the existence of the shoreline induces an asymmetric flow around the ship. This asymmetric flow causes pressure forces on the ship that affect maneuverability. When the ship is near a shore, these forces can likely cause the ship to be pulled towards the shore, and induce a yaw moment pulling the bow towards the center of the channel. This research is important because there are many scenarios in which ships that have been designed for open water must navigate through a narrow channel, or near a bank. The maneuverability of the ship typically changes with a change in depth or width of a channel. The hope is that CFD will benefit the creation of advanced numerical maneuvering analysis that can assist ship pilots in maneuvering in confined waterways. Current numerical techniques are still secondary to the experience of a ship pilot. Also, current maneuvering guidelines, as specified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), specify guidelines for deep unrestricted waterways. Therefore, these are the specifications that ships are designed to with little consideration for confined waterways.