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CFD Applications in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics (2nd Edition)

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A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312). This special issue belongs to the section "Ocean Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2026) | Viewed by 8940

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Prof. Dr. Nastia Degiuli

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Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: ship hydrodynamics; ship resistance and propulsion; seakeeping and maneuverability; computational fluid dynamics; experimental ship hydrodynamics; biofouling; offshore hydrodynamics; marine renewable energy
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Dr. Ivana Martić

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Dear Colleagues,

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods are becoming an increasingly reliable and indispensable tool in the field of ship and offshore hydrodynamics, playing a key role in advancing their design, analysis, and optimization. The ability of CFD to simulate complex fluid flows offers a significant advantage over traditional experimental methods. While physical experiments often require expensive facilities and long preparation times, CFD provides a faster and more cost-effective alternative. Moreover, CFD delivers a highly detailed understanding of local flow characteristics. Since the overall performance of ships and offshore structures, as well as their environmental footprint, is largely determined by their hydrodynamic characteristics, the need for rapid and accurate evaluation methods is essential. This has led to an increasing demand for advanced numerical tools and methodologies that can predict complex hydrodynamic behaviors with high fidelity, paving the way for innovative solutions in naval architecture and ocean engineering.

Through parametric studies and optimization techniques, CFD can help identify robust, efficient, and economically viable solutions for both new designs and retrofits. Given the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, CFD’s ability to assess the hydrodynamic performance of ships and offshore structures under various operating conditions is essential for minimizing fuel consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

The aim of the 2nd edition of this Special Issue is to gather state-of-the-art contributions in numerical ship and offshore hydrodynamics, reflecting the latest advancements in the field. We welcome researchers to submit original contributions that address key hydrodynamic challenges, as well as review articles on the latest developments and emerging trends in ship and offshore hydrodynamics.

Prof. Dr. Nastia Degiuli
Dr. Ivana Martić
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

resistance and propulsion
seakeeping and maneuverability
fluid–structure interaction
hydrodynamics in shallow and restricted waters
CFD and EFD combined methods
drag reduction techniques
energy-saving devices
roughness effects
optimization studies
wave and tidal energy

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

36 pages, 21537 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Coupled Dynamics of a Catamaran Hovercraft Wind Farm Service Vessel with a Turbine Tower in Transverse Waves

by Jinglei Yang, Xiaochun Huang, Haibin Wang, Zhipeng Deng, Shengzhe Shi, Xiaowen Li and Tong Cui

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(8), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14080725 - 14 Apr 2026

Viewed by 223

Abstract

This paper studies the dynamic behavior of a catamaran hovercraft wind farm service vessel (CHWFSV) during the berthing coupling process with a wind turbine tower, aiming to enhance its safety and reliability in engineering applications. By constructing an arc-shaped elastic fender and employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD), it investigates the motion response under transverse waves considering the effects of thrust, air-cushion flow and the elasticity coefficient of the fender. A finite element analysis (FEA) model of the arc-shaped fender, accounting for elastic stress and strain, is developed to study its coupled mechanical behavior under different thrust conditions. The research in this paper is based on numerical CFD simulation with experimental validation. The motion modeling under transverse waves is further verified through uncertainty analysis. The series of research results indicate the following: vessel rolling resonance occurs at λ/L = 1.667 (λ/L denotes the dimensionless wavelength-to-length ratio); increasing air-cushion flow extends the roll period and reduces roll amplitude at λ/L = 0.667, while applying thrust at λ/L = 1.667~3 lowers roll but reduces pitch and heave stability; relatively good berthing performance is achieved when F_CM/∆ = 0.054 and the elastic coefficient is 1.25 × 10⁷ Pa/m (Δ represents the vessel weight). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Applications in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics (2nd Edition))

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22 pages, 3578 KB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Simulation Analysis of Hydrodynamic Coupling Effects and Energy Conversion Efficiency of Dual-Float Wave Energy Converters

by Dongqin Li, Yu Zhang, Jie Hu, Yanqing Yin, Bohan Wang and Wenwen Chen

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(6), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14060530 - 12 Mar 2026

Viewed by 387

Abstract

This study examines the hydrodynamic performance and energy conversion mechanisms of a dual-float wave energy converter (WEC) to address the limitations of single-float WECs regarding energy capture efficiency and cost-effectiveness. A three-dimensional numerical wave tank is constructed utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) technology and STAR-CCM+ to simulate the dynamic response of the dual-float system under specific wave conditions characterized by a height of 0.1 m and a period of 1.5 s. The effects of a front-rear configuration with a quarter-wavelength spacing on the converter’s power output, turbofan rotational characteristics, and heave motion are systematically analyzed. The results indicate that the wave-facing float attains a consistent rotational speed of 4 rad/s, exhibiting significant fluctuations in heave displacement and velocity. Conversely, the downstream float exhibits diminished motion amplitude, a constant rotational velocity of 2.5 rad/s, and curtailed power generation attributable to wave diffraction and energy shielding from the wave-facing float. The mutual hydrodynamic interference between the floats influences the total energy conversion efficiency, as evidenced by the dual-float system’s array impact factor of 0.989. A parametric study covering multiple wave conditions and float spacing is supplemented to reveal the influence law of key parameters on system performance. This paper elucidates the fundamental mechanism of hydrodynamic coupling in dual-float arrays and offers a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for the optimal design and engineering application of arrayed WECs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Applications in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics (2nd Edition))

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18 pages, 4555 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Air Entrainment Mechanisms and Suppression Techniques in Marine Vessels

by Tianxiang Zhang, Pengyao Yu, Zhijiang Yuan and Yongji Liu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(5), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14050430 - 26 Feb 2026

Viewed by 445

Abstract

Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupled with the volume of fluid (VOF) method, we developed an analytical framework to quantify free-surface suction around ship hulls. The DTMB 5415 benchmark hull was employed to investigate the mechanisms by which underwater tail fins influence surface wake dynamics. We systematically evaluated the effects of tail-fin span on hydrodynamic drag and free-surface suction across the investigated speed range. Within the Froude number range of 0.05–0.45, underwater tail fins reduced air entrainment by optimizing hull attitude and attenuating stern waves. Free-surface suction capacity exhibited a positive correlation with vessel speed and a negative correlation with tail-fin span length. At Fr = 0.45, the free-surface suction capacity of the bare hull was 13.78 times greater than that at Fr = 0.15. At this speed, the L₄ tail-fin configuration achieved a 13.292% reduction in free-surface suction. In contrast, the L₂ tail-fin configuration provided a suction reduction of only 9.98%. The optimal tail-fin span represents a trade-off between drag reduction and wake suppression, as longer spans do not necessarily yield superior performance. Under cruise conditions (Fr = 0.25–0.35), the L₂ tail-fin configuration exhibited optimal performance, achieving a 5.292% reduction in drag and a 13.492% reduction in free-surface suction. Across the tested Froude number range of 0.05–0.45, underwater tail fins simultaneously improved hydrodynamic performance and reduced free-surface suction, thereby effectively suppressing bubble wake formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Applications in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics (2nd Edition))

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21 pages, 4525 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Density Difference on the Sedimentation Dynamics of Two Spherical Particles in Side-by-Side and Tandem Configurations

by Da Hui, Xiang Ji, Baizhuang Chen, Mingfu Tang and Lixin Xu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010047 - 26 Dec 2025

Viewed by 577

Abstract

Complex fluid–particle interactions are ubiquitous in natural environments and engineering applications, with their underlying mechanisms often attributed to interparticle attraction and repulsion. To understand the interaction mechanism between the dual particles, this study examines the setting process of dual particles using the Immersed Boundary-Lattice Boltzmann Method (IB-LBM), with a focus on the effect of the density difference between particles. Two typical configurations—tandem and side-by-side—are considered in the analysis. In the tandem configuration, when

ρ_{L P} / ρ_{T P} < 1

, the TP inevitably kisses the LP due to its greater settling velocity, thus initiating the classical drafting-kissing-tumbling phenomenon. As the density of the TP further increases, the attractive effect exerted by the LP on the TP becomes weak. Conversely, when

ρ_{L P} / ρ_{T P} > 1

, kissing between two particles is mainly determined by the density of LP. Whether kissing occurs between the two particles depends on a critical value

ρ_{L P} / ρ_{T P} = 1.2 : 1.14

. Although the LP’s attraction to the TP strengthens with increasing LP density, beyond this certain threshold, this attraction becomes insufficient for the TP to catch up with the LP. In a side-by-side configuration with two particles of different densities, their interaction evolves from initial attraction to subsequent repulsion. This phenomenon is not observed in pairs of particles with identical density. Moreover, with increasing density difference between the particles, the attractive effect from the higher-density particle on the lower-density one strengthens, whereas the repulsive interaction between them gradually weakens. When the particle density ratio reaches

1.4 : 1.14

, the lateral migration of the particles becomes very small; although they still interact with each other, the effect becomes extremely weak. This work systematically elucidates the influence of density disparity on particle interaction, providing insights into understanding more complex multiparticle system dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Applications in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics (2nd Edition))

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25 pages, 17002 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Hydrodynamic and Cavitation Characteristics of Two-Element Hydrofoil Systems for Fully Submerged Hydrofoil Craft: Influence Analysis of Key Geometric Parameters

by Meishen Yu, Hongyu Li, Yu Zhang, Qunhong Tian, Shaobo Yang, Zongsheng Wang and Weizhuang Ma

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1378; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071378 - 20 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1591

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of key geometric parameters on the hydrodynamic and cavitation characteristics of two-element hydrofoil systems for fully submerged unmanned hydrofoil craft, aiming to solve their active stabilization problems. Using STARCCM+ software, the RANS method, and the SST k-ω turbulence model, the research analyzes the impacts of flap deflection angle (α), main wing-to-flap chord ratio (c1/c2), and spacing (g). Results show that when the spacing is fixed, increasing the chord ratio reduces the lift and drag coefficients. When the chord ratio is fixed, increasing the spacing causes the lift and drag coefficients to first rise and then fall. With increasing flap deflection angle (α), cavitation intensifies, but it can be suppressed by increasing the chord ratio, reaching a minimum at g = 2.4%c1. The optimal configuration is c1/c2 = 1.5 and g = 2.4%c1, which can balance the lift–drag performance and anti-cavitation capability. This study provides a scientific basis for solving the active stabilization problems of fully submerged unmanned hydrofoil craft and insights for enhancing their seakeeping performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Applications in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics (2nd Edition))

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34 pages, 9392 KB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature-Induced Errors in ITTC Model-Ship Extrapolation

by Sang-seok Han, Saishuai Dai, Momchil Terziev, Daejeong Kim, Tahsin Tezdogan, Doojin Jung and Soonseok Song

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1203; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071203 - 20 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3078

Abstract

This study addresses the question: “Does the towing tank water temperature affect the result of model-ship extrapolation?” While it is well-established that temperature variations affect Reynolds numbers and consequently frictional and viscous resistance, this study examines whether the ITTC 1978 extrapolation method properly compensates for these effects. Although current procedures consider temperature indirectly through the Reynolds number, they assume that the form factor depends solely on the Froude number and is insensitive to viscosity changes. Our analysis reveals that the form factor is also temperature-sensitive, indicating a fundamental limitation in the conventional approach. This sensitivity arises from the limitations of the ITTC 1957 friction curve and the method’s neglect of temperature-induced variations in the form factor. To quantify the effect of temperature, model-scale CFD simulations were conducted for two ship models (KCS and KVLCC2) at different water temperatures using the ITTC 1978 procedure with Prohaska’s method. The results show that the ship-scale total resistance coefficient (

C_{T}

) can vary by up to 2.8% depending on the water temperature and friction line selection. This demonstrates that the ITTC 1978 performance prediction method fails to adequately compensate for the temperature-induced changes in resistance, which leads to systematic errors in the extrapolated results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Applications in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics (2nd Edition))

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22 pages, 2775 KB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning Models for the Prediction of Wind Loads on Containerships

by Nastia Degiuli, Carlo Giorgio Grlj, Ivana Martić, Sandi Baressi Šegota, Nikola Anđelić and Darin Majnarić

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030417 - 24 Feb 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1656

Abstract

As the windage area of containerships increases, wind loads are becoming a more significant factor in navigating ships at open sea. This can lead to increased resistance and affect ship stability, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency. In this study, machine learning models based on the multilayer perceptron and gradient-boosted tree methods were employed to predict wind load coefficients for containerships with various container configurations. Six models were developed to estimate longitudinal and transverse wind loads and moment coefficients using a comprehensive dataset generated by numerical simulations. Numerical simulations were conducted for two containerships with various container configurations at angles of attack ranging from 0° to 180°. The models showed satisfactory performance on an evaluation set, with high coefficients of determination. The models based on the gradient-boosted tree method slightly outperformed those based on the multilayer perceptron method, particularly in terms of mean absolute error. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of wind load coefficients is feasible, making these models a reliable tool for practical engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Applications in Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics (2nd Edition))

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