Numerical analysis of added resistance on an icebreaker in regular waves

As the global warming, the Arctic Shipping Routes are gradually opened. The icebreakers are still in need to ensure the safe navigation of ships. During the voyage from East Asia to North-western Europe, the icebreaker will experience a long-distance voyage where over 60% of the distance is open water. As the bow of the icebreaker is full and the length-beam ratio is relatively high, it is quite important to study added resistance of the icebreaker. The results of added resistance, heave and pitch motion in regular waves are consistent with the variation trend using two methods. For computational efficiency, the nonlinear potential method was used to predict added resistance and vertical movement of the icebreaker at five wind directions. The added resistance in head waves is higher than in other wave directions. The maximum value was obtained at the wave length-ship length ratio of 1.2. The relationship between the phase of motion and resistance can be easily obtained. Meanwhile, the free surface around the hull can also be easily obtained. Moreover, compared to the CFD method, the nonlinear potential method can save more computing resources and time. It has important application value in the early design of the icebreaker.