Experimental and Numerical Resistance Analysis for a Cruise Ship W/O Fin Stabilizers

Abstract

Applying fin stabilizers is an effective solution for ship rolls on waves in a seaway. They generally consist of one or two pairs of retractable fins that are symmetrically mounted to both sides of the ship, effectively reducing the roll motion at low or moderate speeds. Fin stabilizers are commonly used by cruise ships for the comfort and safety of passengers. However, there is still little experimental and numerical analysis of the fins’ effect on hydrodynamic performance. In this study, the resistance performance of a cruise ship was investigated with/without fin stabilizers at different fin angles and ship velocities by model tests and numerical analysis. The CFD analysis provides a flow-detailed interpretation of the physical phenomenon, especially at an asymmetric maximum fin angle. The significant fin-induced resistance is newly discovered and averages up to 19% in calm water conditions, while the added resistance in waves is evaluated with a smaller increment up to 1.31%. By comparing the numerical and experimental results, this study provides insight into the resistance induced by overhanging fins, which provides an accurate prediction reference for cruise ship performance and benefits the fin stabilizers’ design and selection.