RANS/Laplace calculations of nonlinear waves induced by surface-piercing bodies

An interactive zonal numerical method has been developed for the prediction of free surface flows around surface-piercing bodies, including both viscous and nonlinear wave effects. In this study, a Laplace solver for potential flow body-wave problems is used in conjunction with a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method for accurate resolution of viscous, nonlinear free surface flows around a vertical strut and a series 60 ship hull. The Laplace equation for potential flow is solved in the far field to provide the nonlinear waves generated by the body. The RANS method is used in the near field to resolve the turbulent boundary layers, wakes, and nonlinear waves around the body. Both the kinematic and dynamic boundary conditions are satisfied on the exact free surface to ensure accurate resolution of the divergent and transverse waves. The viscous-inviscid interaction between the potential flow and viscous flow regions is captured through a direct matching of the velocity and pressure fields in an overlapping RANS and potential flow computational region. The numerical results demonstrate the capability of an interactive RANS/Laplace coupling method for accurate and efficient resolution of the body boundary layer, the viscous wake, and the nonlinear waves induced by surface piercing bodies.