Application of computational fluid dynamics to ship hull optimization problem

This paper presents an application of Computational Fluid Dynamics to ship hull optimization, which is based on the nonlinear programming approach developed by Hamasaki et al. (1995, 1996a, 1996b). The variations to the original hull forms are expressed by the B-spline functions, whose coefficients are used as the design variables. Then the fully-elliptic Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes and continuity equations are solved with zero-equation turbulence model to provide viscous resistance and stern flow information. The aft part of hull is optimized so as to minimize the viscous resistance and increase magnitude of inflow at the top of the propeller disc. The affine scaling interior method is used in the present multi-objective optimization procedure. The present iterative optimization procedure yields steady convergence of the solutions and appeared to be capable for practical ship form design. An overview is given of the present numerical method, and results are presented and discussed for the SR196 and Series60 C-B=0.8 hull forms including comparison with available experimental data.