CFD Optimisation of the Longitudinal Volume Distribution of a Ship’s Hull by Constrained Transformation of the Sectional Area Curve

The paper presents a proposal for a formalised approach to hull shape optimisation with respect to total resistance, by fine-tuning longitudinal volume distribution. An algorithm for automated modification of the hull is presented, allowing for varying the sectional area distribution with a negligible influence on the resulting displacement. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver STAR-CCM+ and computer computer-aided design (CAD) software NX were used to search the optimal volume distribution of selected parent shapes, with respect to total resistance. The bow part and the aft part were optimised separately. The resulting resistances of the selected optimal shapes were then verified by means of scale model tests, realised in the towing tank at the Maritime Advanced Research Centre (CTO) S.A. A noticeable gain in total resistance was achieved and confirmed by experimental tests. The proposed approach seems to be a promising method for relatively quick parametric optimisation of the designed hull shapes; it is also applicable for generic CFD optimisation studies.