Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

Research

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25 pages, 3780 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative CFD Study on the Wave-Making Characteristics and Resistance Performance of Two Representative Naval Vessel Designs

by Yutao Tian, Hai Shou, Sixing Guo, Zehan Chen, Zhengxun Zhou, Yuxing Zheng, Kunpeng Shi and Dapeng Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(2), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14020212 - 20 Jan 2026

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Abstract

The wave-making characteristics and resistance performance of a naval vessel are fundamental to its hydrodynamic design, directly impacting its speed, stealth, and energy efficiency. To reveal the performance trade-offs inherent in different design philosophies, a systematic comparative study on the hydrodynamic performance of [...] Read more.

The wave-making characteristics and resistance performance of a naval vessel are fundamental to its hydrodynamic design, directly impacting its speed, stealth, and energy efficiency. To reveal the performance trade-offs inherent in different design philosophies, a systematic comparative study on the hydrodynamic performance of two representative mainstream naval destroyers from China and the United States was conducted using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Full-scale three-dimensional models of both vessels were established based on publicly available data. Their flow fields in calm water were numerically simulated at both economical (18 knots) and maximum (30 knots) speeds using an unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solver, the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method for free-surface capturing, and the SST k-ω turbulence model. The performance differences were meticulously compared through qualitative observation of wave patterns, quantitative measurements (such as the transverse width of the wave-making region), and analysis of resistance data. Numerical results indicated that the wave-making generated by the vessel of the United States was more pronounced during steady navigation. To validate the reliability of the CFD results, supplementary towing tank tests were performed using a small-scale model (1.1 m in length) of the vessel from China. The test speed (1.5 m/s) was scaled to correspond to the full-scale ship speed through dimensional analysis. The experimental data showed good agreement with the simulation results, jointly confirming the aforementioned performance trade-off. This study clearly demonstrates that, at the economic speed, the design of the mainstream vessel from China tends to prioritize superior wave stealth performance at the expense of higher resistance, whereas the mainstream vessel from the U.S. exhibits the characteristics of lower resistance coupled with more significant wave-making features. These findings provide an important theoretical basis and data support for the future multi-objective optimization design of surface vessels concerning stealth, speed, and comprehensive energy efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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29 pages, 5655 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Influence of 3D Printing Material Filling Patterns on Marine Photovoltaic Performance

by Huiling Zhang, Shengqing Zeng, Yining Zhang, Sixing Guo, Huaxian Feng and Dapeng Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(12), 2373; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13122373 - 14 Dec 2025

Viewed by 488

Abstract

With the rapid development of offshore photovoltaic (PV) systems, PV support structures have become a critical component in offshore PV installations. The material properties of these structures significantly influence the safety and reliability of the entire system. 3D printing technology, leveraging its advantages [...] Read more.

With the rapid development of offshore photovoltaic (PV) systems, PV support structures have become a critical component in offshore PV installations. The material properties of these structures significantly influence the safety and reliability of the entire system. 3D printing technology, leveraging its advantages such as rapid prototyping, complex structure manufacturing, and high material utilization, holds broad application prospects in the field of offshore PV. However, the infill pattern of 3D printing materials can significantly affect their mechanical properties. Marine PV systems require extremely high resistance to wave action, tensile strength, and torsional performance, while offshore PV support structures need sufficient compressive capacity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how different infill patterns affect the compressive properties of 3D printed materials, thereby optimizing material selection and printing processes for offshore PV applications. Through experimental design, a variety of common infill patterns were selected. Universal testing machines and torsion testing machines were used to conduct systematic tests on compressive strength, elastic modulus, and compressive fracture strain. The results showed that different infill patterns have a significant impact on compressive properties, among which the honeycomb infill exhibited the best overall mechanical performance, effectively enhancing load-bearing capacity and stability. Based on the experimental results, appropriate infill configurations and material combinations for different components of offshore PV systems were proposed. The feasibility of optimizing 3D printing processes to improve the overall performance of offshore PV structures was further explored. The findings of this study not only provide a theoretical basis for material selection and process optimization in 3D printing for offshore PV systems but also offer important references for promoting the application of 3D printing technology in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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24 pages, 2620 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Effect of Column Form on the Dynamic Response of Semi-Submersible Truss-Type Fish Culture Platforms

by Kangyang Liang and Dapeng Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(12), 2370; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13122370 - 13 Dec 2025

Viewed by 403

Abstract

To investigate the effect of column form on the hydrodynamic performance of semi-submersible truss fishery aquaculture platforms, this study focused on an active semi-submersible aquaculture platform located in the South China Sea. Three platform models featuring distinct column structures were established. Employing three-dimensional [...] Read more.

To investigate the effect of column form on the hydrodynamic performance of semi-submersible truss fishery aquaculture platforms, this study focused on an active semi-submersible aquaculture platform located in the South China Sea. Three platform models featuring distinct column structures were established. Employing three-dimensional potential flow theory and Morrison’s equations, numerical simulation methods were utilised to analyse the dynamic response of the three types of column platforms in both the frequency and time domains under wind, wave, and current action. Consequently, relevant conclusions regarding the influence of column form on the hydrodynamic performance of semi-submersible platforms were derived. The results show that: The quasi-elliptical column platform exhibits superior frequency-domain response characteristics, with the circular column platform following, while the square column platform demonstrates the poorest performance. When subjected to the combined effects of waves and currents, the circular column platform shows the most favourable time-domain dynamic response, with the quasi-elliptical column platform next, and the square column platform lagging behind. In contrast, under the combined influence of wind, waves, and currents, the quasi-elliptical column platform excels in time-domain dynamic response, followed by the square column platform, with the circular column platform being the least effective. These variations in time-frequency dynamic response characteristics among the three column platforms are attributed to their distinct structural forms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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13 pages, 4540 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Implementation of a LiDAR-Based Inspection Device for the Internal Surveying of Subsea Pipelines

by Qingmiao Ma, Weige Liang, Haoming Chen, Qianshi Wang, Peiyi Zhou and Qingshan Wang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(11), 2141; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13112141 - 12 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 927

Abstract

Subsea pipelines are extensively utilized in transportation systems. Conducting regular and effective internal inspections of these pipelines to promptly identify internal defects and potential risks is of paramount importance to ensure safe operational practices. In response to the practical engineering requirements for the [...] Read more.

Subsea pipelines are extensively utilized in transportation systems. Conducting regular and effective internal inspections of these pipelines to promptly identify internal defects and potential risks is of paramount importance to ensure safe operational practices. In response to the practical engineering requirements for the internal inspection of subsea pipelines, this paper presents the design of an inspection device capable of capturing point cloud data from pipelines with internal diameters of 100 mm and above and performing three-dimensional reconstruction through coding. This device clearly reveals internal pipeline defects and enables both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Upon designing the motion module, control system, and LiDAR-based detection module of the internal pipeline inspection device, the capacity to collect internal point cloud data and perform 3D reconstruction was achieved. An experimental prototype of the inspection device was manufactured and tested using a simulated pipeline constructed to replicate real-world conditions. An analysis of the inspection results demonstrates that the device can travel steadily inside the pipeline, and the collected point cloud data can be used for 3D reconstruction via coding, accurately and clearly displaying the internal 3D structure of the pipeline and its defects. This device provides a basis for the prediction of pipelines’ service lives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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24 pages, 13648 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Lightweight Design Performance of Offshore Structures Based on 3D Printing Technology

by Haoyu Jiang, Yifan Xie, Shengqing Zeng, Sixing Guo, Zehan Chen, Zhenjie Liang and Dapeng Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(10), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13102007 - 19 Oct 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 822

Abstract

Traditional manufacturing methods struggle to incorporate complex internal configurations within structures, thus restricting the potential for enhancing the strength of offshore structures through internal design. However, the advent of 3D printing technology presents innovative solutions to this challenge. Previous research has investigated the [...] Read more.

Traditional manufacturing methods struggle to incorporate complex internal configurations within structures, thus restricting the potential for enhancing the strength of offshore structures through internal design. However, the advent of 3D printing technology presents innovative solutions to this challenge. Previous research has investigated the use of 3D printing to integrate lattice-like structures within conventional frameworks to achieve lightweight designs. Building upon this foundation, this paper models an embedded structure and other marine structures subjected to similar loads using simplified models and conducts a thorough investigation into their mechanical properties. Specifically, it examines the effects of the 3D-printed infill structure, infill rate, and tilt angle of printed specimens on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed components. The goal is to identify the optimal parameter combinations that ensure structural strength while also achieving a lightweight design and a secondary lightweight design for the embedded structure. This paper concludes, from tensile, torsional, and compressive experiments, that honeycomb infill structures, with specimens printed at an inclination angle of 0°, exhibit superior performance across all properties. Additionally, the bonding between the layers of the printed parts is identified as a key factor influencing the tensile and torsional properties. While increasing the infill rate can significantly improve the overall mechanical properties of specimens, it also results in a corresponding reduction in the lightweighting index. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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20 pages, 10846 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mineralogical and Mechanical Characterization of Concrete Blocks for Artificial Reefs: A Comparative Study with Natural Coral Skeletons

by Mykel Fernandes de Sousa, Cláudio Dybas da Natividade, Marçal Rosas Florentino Lima Filho, Sandro Marden Torres, Alexsandro José Virgínio dos Santos, Rochanna Alves Silva da Rocha, Glauco Fonsêca Henriques, Karina Massei and Wesley Maciel de Souza

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(10), 1886; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13101886 - 1 Oct 2025

Viewed by 2157

Abstract

Coral reefs are very important ecosystems for the planet, offering ecological and socio-economic benefits. However, they are under threat due to anthropogenic factors and environmental changes. This study assesses the feasibility of weathered Portland cement concrete as a material for marine artificial reefs [...] Read more.

Coral reefs are very important ecosystems for the planet, offering ecological and socio-economic benefits. However, they are under threat due to anthropogenic factors and environmental changes. This study assesses the feasibility of weathered Portland cement concrete as a material for marine artificial reefs by comparing its physicochemical and mechanical properties with those of natural coral skeletons from the coast of Paraíba, Brazil. Analyses included microstructural and physical characterization, compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests, as well as pH monitoring. The results indicated that weathered concrete exhibits mineralogical similarity to corals, with the presence of carbonate phases and portlandite absent due to advanced carbonation. The compressive strength of the concrete (27.6 MPa) was significantly higher than that of the coral samples (1–6 MPa), while the porosity of the corals (34–41%) exceeded that of the concrete (14%). The alkaline nature of the concrete (pH 9.7) remained stable. Although differences in physical and mechanical properties are evident, the values are within the ranges reported for cementitious materials in marine applications. Mineralogical similarities between coral skeletons and concrete support its potential as a functional analog in artificial reefs, while adjustments in geometry and porosity are suggested to enhance ecological compatibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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13 pages, 7340 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Constitutive Relationship of the Coarse-Grained Heat-Affected Zone in Ship Thick-Plate Welded Joints of Ship Structures

by Linzhi Xu, Pengyu Zhan, Tao Yi, Shukai Zhang, Jian He and Mengzhen Li

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071260 - 29 Jun 2025

Viewed by 827

Abstract

This study addresses the constitutive relationship of the welded coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) in 80-mm-thick DH36 marine steel plates. By integrating quasi-static tensile testing, digital image correlation (DIC) technology, and metallographic analysis, we systematically investigated the mechanical property differences and underlying mechanisms between [...] Read more.

This study addresses the constitutive relationship of the welded coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) in 80-mm-thick DH36 marine steel plates. By integrating quasi-static tensile testing, digital image correlation (DIC) technology, and metallographic analysis, we systematically investigated the mechanical property differences and underlying mechanisms between the CGHAZ and base metal (BM). High-precision DIC technology enabled strain field characterization at the microscale in the CGHAZ, while the Ramberg-Osgood model was adopted to establish a dual-material constitutive equation. The results demonstrate that grain coarsening induced by welding thermal cycles significantly influenced the mechanical responses: the CGHAZ exhibited enhanced tensile strength but reduced plastic compatibility due to decreased grain boundary density. Notably, gradient differences in elastic modulus (CGHAZ: 184 GPa vs. BM: 213 GPa) and yield strength (CGHAZ: 363 MPa vs. BM: 373 MPa) between the BM and CGHAZ necessitate strict differentiation in engineering design. This work overcomes the limitations of oversimplified CGHAZ properties in conventional design approaches, providing a novel methodology for strength assessment and lightweight design of marine structures. The findings offer critical theoretical insights and practical guidelines for enhancing the reliability of offshore engineering equipment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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28 pages, 19884 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Dynamic Characteristics and Fracture Failure of Rigid Truss Trawl System During Towing Process

by Dapeng Zhang, Bowen Zhao, Yi Zhang, Keqiang Zhu and Jin Yan

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030586 - 17 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1167

Abstract

Deep-sea fisheries depend on various fishing methods, including trawling, purse seining, and longline fishing, among others. Studying the dynamic characteristics of trawling operations is essential for the trawl mechanism. Because of the solid truss support, the beam trawl system may be employed in [...] Read more.

Deep-sea fisheries depend on various fishing methods, including trawling, purse seining, and longline fishing, among others. Studying the dynamic characteristics of trawling operations is essential for the trawl mechanism. Because of the solid truss support, the beam trawl system may be employed in extreme sea conditions, the high-speed driving of tugs, and maneuvering situations. This study systematically investigates the dynamic responses and structural safety of a midwater beam trawl during towing via the lumped mass method and OrcaFlex 9.7e simulations. Firstly, a trawl model with four towlines was developed and validated against flume tank experiments. Secondly, multiple operational scenarios were analyzed: towing speeds, angular velocity variations under a fixed turning radius, and radius effects under constant angular velocity. The results show that line tension increases with the speed increment and that the rigid frame destabilizes at angular velocities exceeding 20°/s due to centrifugal overload. Furthermore, line fracture scenarios during startup and straight-line towing were emphasized. Single-line failure leads to edge constraint loss, redistributing stress to the remaining lines, and asymmetric dual-line fracture triggers net torsion, reducing fishing efficiency. This study provides theoretical guidance for optimizing the safe operational parameters of midwater beam trawls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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Review

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37 pages, 4125 KB

Open AccessReview

Pipeline Systems in Floating Offshore Production Systems: Hydrodynamics, Corrosion, Design and Maintenance

by Jin Yan, Yining Zhang, Zehan Chen, Pengji Li, Yuting Li, Zeyu Cao, Jiaming Wu, Kefan Yang and Dapeng Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(2), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14020176 - 14 Jan 2026

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1691

Abstract

Floating offshore production systems play a critical role in offshore resource development, where the structural integrity and operational safety of risers, umbilical cables, and mooring cables are of paramount importance. Focusing on the failure risks of these key components under harsh marine environments, [...] Read more.

Floating offshore production systems play a critical role in offshore resource development, where the structural integrity and operational safety of risers, umbilical cables, and mooring cables are of paramount importance. Focusing on the failure risks of these key components under harsh marine environments, this paper systematically reviews the coupled mechanisms of wave-induced loading, electrochemical corrosion, and material fatigue. Unlike traditional reviews on offshore pipelines and cables, this study not only examines the mechanical performance of deepwater pipelines and cables along with representative research cases but also discusses corrosion mechanisms in marine environments and corresponding repair and mitigation strategies. In addition, recent advances in machine learning-based digital twin frameworks and real-time monitoring technologies are reviewed, with an analysis of representative application cases. The findings indicate that interdisciplinary material innovations combined with data-driven predictive models are essential for addressing maintenance challenges under extreme ocean conditions. Furthermore, this review identifies existing research gaps in data fusion for monitoring technologies and outlines clear directions for the intelligent operation and maintenance of future deep-sea infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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43 pages, 6958 KB

Open AccessReview

From Multi-Field Coupling Behaviors to Self-Powered Monitoring: Triboelectric Nanogenerator Arrays for Deep-Sea Large-Scale Cages

by Kefan Yang, Shengqing Zeng, Keqi Yang, Dapeng Zhang and Yi Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(11), 2042; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13112042 - 24 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1170

Abstract

As global Marine resource development continues to expand into deep-sea and ultra-deep-sea domains, the intelligent and green transformation of deep-sea aquaculture equipment has become a key direction for high-quality development of the Marine economy. Large deep-sea cages are considered essential equipment for deep-sea [...] Read more.

As global Marine resource development continues to expand into deep-sea and ultra-deep-sea domains, the intelligent and green transformation of deep-sea aquaculture equipment has become a key direction for high-quality development of the Marine economy. Large deep-sea cages are considered essential equipment for deep-sea aquaculture. However, there are significant challenges associated with ensuring their structural integrity and long-term monitoring capabilities in the complex Marine environments characteristic of deep-sea aquaculture. The present study focuses on large deep-sea cages, addressing their dynamic response challenges and long-term monitoring power supply needs in complex Marine environments. The present study investigates the nonlinear vibration characteristics of flexible net structures under complex fluid loads. To this end, a multi-field coupled dynamic model is constructed to reveal vibration response patterns and instability mechanisms. A self-powered sensing system based on triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology has been developed, featuring a curved surface adaptive TENG array for the real-time monitoring of net vibration states. This review aims to focus on the research of optimizing the design of curved surface adaptive TENG arrays and deep-sea cage monitoring. The present study will investigate the mechanisms of energy transfer and cooperative capture within multi-body coupled cage systems. In addition, the biomechanics of fish–cage flow field interactions and micro-energy capture technologies will be examined. By integrating different disciplinary perspectives and adopting innovative approaches, this work aims to break through key technical bottlenecks, thereby laying the necessary theoretical and technical foundations for optimizing the design and safe operation of large deep-sea cages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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53 pages, 8754 KB

Open AccessReview

Multi-Branch Towed Array System: Systematic Analysis of Modeling Methods, Environmental Responses and Mechanical Properties in Fracture Analysis

by Jin Yan, Kefan Yang, Shengqing Zeng, Keqi Yang, Dapeng Zhang and Keqiang Zhu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1697; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091697 - 2 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1900

Abstract

Multi-branch towed array systems are an important component of subsea information collection, which is increasingly required for subsea pipeline laying and offshore platform construction as ocean energy is exploited. However, the complexity of underwater conditions poses challenges for marine towing systems when collecting [...] Read more.

Multi-branch towed array systems are an important component of subsea information collection, which is increasingly required for subsea pipeline laying and offshore platform construction as ocean energy is exploited. However, the complexity of underwater conditions poses challenges for marine towing systems when collecting information, including the possibility of towing cable collisions with protruding seabed or submerged organisms during towing system travel, or towing cable interactions during torsion. These collisions can affect and interfere with the collection of information by the towing system, and can cause damage to the towing system or even cause the towing cable to break. After the failure and detachment of the outboard guide cable of a multi-branch towing cable array, the formation of the towing system changes, and these changes are complex and related to the prevailing sea state. To study the important condition of the damaged towing system, this paper draws an analogy between the towing system and the trawl net, and speculates the formation change and mechanical response of the multi-branch towed array system after damage by combining the influencing factors of the deployment of the towing system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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32 pages, 2907 KB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Experimental and Numerical Research on the Slamming Problem of High-Performance Vessels

by Yifang Sun, Dapeng Zhang, Zongduo Wu and Yiquan Yu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1310; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071310 - 6 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4525

Abstract

Slamming load is characterized by a high peak and short duration. Severe slamming phenomena are extremely detrimental to the navigation safety of high-speed vessels, thereby constraining the development and application of high-performance ships. Studies on slamming mechanisms, load distribution, prediction, and mitigation methods [...] Read more.

Slamming load is characterized by a high peak and short duration. Severe slamming phenomena are extremely detrimental to the navigation safety of high-speed vessels, thereby constraining the development and application of high-performance ships. Studies on slamming mechanisms, load distribution, prediction, and mitigation methods are particularly essential. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical, numerical, and experimental research progress on water-entry slamming for high-performance ships. First, the theoretical foundations and numerical simulation methods of slamming are elaborated. Then, existing research findings are summarized from two perspectives: segmented water entry and full-scale wave loads. Finally, unresolved issues and future research directions are identified. The aim is to offer valuable insights for further advancements in high-performance ship slamming studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures)

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