Simulation of freely-floating bodies in waves using a 6dof algorithm

Abstract

Interactions between floating bodies and waves are found in several engineering applications like oil platforms or floating breakwaters. Floating bodies are strongly influenced by the free surface and the fluid structure interaction. The modelling of floating bodies in waves needs to consider rigid body dynamics, turbulent and viscous flow around the floating body among others. To resolve these problems, the flow variables need to be solved with high accuracy and detail. A CFD model which solves the Reynold-Averaged Navier-Stokes Equations is suitable for the analysis of floating bodies in waves. In this paper, the open-source CFD model REEF3D with a 6 degrees of freedom algorithm is used to simulate the interaction of a floating barge in waves. The translational and rotational motion of the barge in different directions and around different axes are calculated in two dimensions. The numerical results are compared to experimental data for validation of the model. Three-dimensional simulations with different geometries are carried out and the motion of the barge analysed.