Author(s): Xie Qianhuia; Meng Penga; Dai Kuna; Fan Taoa; Wang Xiaolonga
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: CFD-DEM coupling method; Ice resistance; Brash ice; Waterline entrance angle; Hull form design; Ship-ice interaction
Abstract: To accurately simulate the resistance of the ice-strengthened vessels under brash ice condition and evaluate the influence of the waterline entrance angle, this paper conducts a numerical study on a LNG bunkering vessel using Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) coupling method. The method is validated against ice tank model tests, demonstrating an ice resistance calculation accuracy within 5%, which satisfies engineering application requirements and confirms good reliability. By systematically varying the waterline entrance angle of the hull lines, the ice resistance in brash ice condition and open-water resistance under different conditions are calculated. A comprehensive assessment of the impact of the waterline entrance angle on the ice-strengthened vessel’s resistance performance is performed. The study reveals the mechanism by which the waterline entrance angle influences the ice-strengthened vessels interaction through altering the bow pressure distribution and free surface deformation. This methodology provides an effective tool and theoretical support for the hull form design of ice--strengthened vessels.
Year: 2026