Numerical Investigation of the Resistance of a Zero-Emission Full-Scale Fast Catamaran in Shallow Water

Abstract

This paper numerically investigates the resistance at full-scale of a zero-emission, high-speed catamaran in both deep and shallow water, with the Froude number ranging from 0.2 to 0.8. The numerical methods are validated by two means: (a) Comparison with available model tests; (b) a blind validation using two different flow solvers. The resistance, sinkage, and trim of the catamaran, as well as the wave pattern, longitudinal wave cuts and crossflow fields, are examined. The total resistance curve in deep water shows a continuous increase with the Froude number, while in shallow water, a hump is witnessed near the critical speed. This difference is mainly caused by the pressure component of total resistance, which is significantly affected by the interaction between the wave systems created by the demihulls. The pressure resistance in deep water is maximised at a Froude number around 0.58, whereas the peak in shallow water is achieved near the critical speed (Froude number ≈ 0.3). Insight into the underlying physics is obtained by analysing the wave creation between the demihulls. Profoundly different wave patterns within the inner region are observed in deep and shallow water. Specifically, in deep water, both crests and troughs are generated and moved astern as the increase of the Froude number. The maximum pressure resistance is accomplished when the secondary trough is created at the stern, leading to the largest trim angle. In contrast, the catamaran generates a critical wave normal to the advance direction in shallow water, which significantly elevates the bow and creates the highest trim angle, as well as pressure resistance. Moreover, significant wave elevations are observed between the demihulls at supercritical speeds in shallow water, which may affect the decision for the location of the wet deck.