Hydrodynamic forces on a rolling barge with bilge keels

Abstract

Analysis of hydrodynamic forces on a rolling barge fitted with bilge keels involves solving the Navier-Stokes equations. Presented herein is a direct method for solving the Navier-Stokes equations that makes use of a finite volume method in a moving unstructured grid. The vorticity contour and roll hydrodynamic coefficients of the rolling barge are calculated from the velocity and pressure fields, respectively. A non-linear free-surface condition is imposed on the free-surface boundary by using an interface-tracking method. Roll hydrodynamic coefficients arising from the hydrodynamic moment of the barge with various bilge keel orientations are determined to assess the effectiveness of bilge keels in reducing the rolling motion. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd.