Numerical Evaluation of the Wave-Making Resistance of a Zero-Emission Fast Passenger Ferry Operating in Shallow Water by Using the Double-Body Approach

The consideration of shallow water effects has gained in importance regarding inland operations. The interaction between the keel and the riverbed affects the hydrodynamic characteristics of marine vessels. The highly complex nature of the interference phenomenon in catamarans makes the shallow water problem more complicated as compared to monohulls. Hence, catamarans are very sensitive to speed changes, as well as to other parameters, such as the shallow water effects. This makes the design of catamarans more challenging than their monohull equivalents. At lower Froude numbers, the higher importance of the frictional resistance makes the greater wetted surface of the catamaran a disadvantage. However, at higher speeds, there is the potential to turn their twin hulls into an advantage. This study aims to investigate the wave-making resistance of a zero-carbon fast passenger ferry operating in shallow water. The URANS (unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes) method was employed for resistance simulations. Then, the double-body approach was followed to decompose the residual resistance into viscous pressure and wave-making resistance with the help of the form factors of the vessel calculated at each speed. The characteristics of the separated wave-making resistance components were obtained, covering low, medium, and high speeds. Significant findings have been reported that contribute to the field by providing insight into the resistance components of a fast catamaran operating in shallow waters.

Automated summary

The consideration of shallow water effects becomes increasingly important for inland operations. The interaction between catamarans and the riverbed complicates the shallow water problem due to their complex interference phenomenon. Catamarans are highly sensitive to speed changes and shallow water effects, making their design more challenging than monohulls. The larger wetted surface of catamarans poses a disadvantage at lower speeds, but can turn into an advantage at higher speeds.