Assessment of Computational Fluid Dynamics Capabilities for the Prediction of Three-Dimensional Separated Flows: The DELFT 372 Catamaran in Static Drift Conditions.

In this paper, capabilities of state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools in the prediction of the flow-field around a multihull catamaran advancing in straight ahead motion at nonzero drift angles are investigated. CFD estimations have been provided by three research institutes by using their in-house codes: CNR-INM using Xnavis, IIHR using CFDShip-Iowa, and CNRS/ECN using ISIS. These allowed an in-depth comparison between different methodologies, such as structured overlapping grids versus unstructured grid, different turbulence models and detached eddy simulations (DES) approaches, and level-set (LS) versus volume of fluid (VoF). The activities were pursued within the NATO AVT-183 group "reliable prediction of separated flow onset and progression for air and sea vehicles," aimed at the assessment of CFD predictions of large three-dimensional separated flows. Comparison between estimations is provided for both integral and local quantities, and for wave-induced vortices. Validation is reported by comparison against the available experimental fluid dynamics (EFD) data. Generally, all the simulations are able to capture the main features of the flow field; grid resolution effects are dominant in the onset phase of coherent structures and turbulence model affects the dynamic of the vortices. Hydrodynamic loads are in agreement between the submissions with standard deviation of about 3.5% for the resistance prediction and about 7% for lateral force and yaw moment estimation. Wave-induced vortices are correctly captured by both LS and VoF approaches, even if some differences have been highlighted, LS showing well-defined and long life vortices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]