Integral Force/Moment Waterjet Model for CFD Simulations

Abstract

An integral force/moment waterjet model for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is derived for ship local flow/powering predictions, including sinkage and trim. The waterjet induced reaction forces and moment and waterjet/hull interaction stern force replicate the effects of the waterjet without requiring detailed simulations of the waterjet system. The model extends the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) waterjet model for sinkage and trim by using an alternative control volume also appropriate for CFD and by including vertical forces and pitching moment in the waterjet/hull force/moment balance. The same grid is used for both without and with waterjet simulations. The CFD waterjet model requires limited waterjet geometry (inlet and outlet areas and locations, and weight of working fluid) and several waterjet flow (mass flow rate, inlet pressure force, inlet and outlet momentum correction factors and flow angles, and stern force and location) input variables. The CFD waterjet model can be used for local flow predictions by using waterjet flow input variables provided by ITTC waterjet model test data, including additional data for waterjet induced inlet pressure and stern forces. It can also be used for powering predictions once waterjet flow input variable correlations are available based on CFD for the waterjet system and/or experimental data. The CFD waterjet model is demonstrated for local flow predictions for the DTMB 5594 high-speed sealift ship model for which ITTC waterjet model test data, including additional data for waterjet induced stern forces, are available. Correlations for the waterjet flow input variables are shown to be feasible using a combination of CFD and experimental data for the waterjet system for three different hulls.