CFD Analysis of Hull Separation and Vessel Speed on the Hydrodynamic Performance of Catamaran Trash Skimmers

Trash accumulation in water bodies necessitates efficient waste collection solutions, with catamaran-based trash skimmers offering a promising approach. However, their hydrodynamic performance in river conditions remains understudied. This research applies Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling to assess how hull spacing and operational speed influence drag forces, fluid dynamics, and surface wave characteristics in restricted-depth aquatic environments. The results indicate that at lower speeds, hull separation has minimal impact on resistance, while at higher speeds, larger hull separation ratios (S/L) increase resistance due to wave interference and conveyor-induced disruptions. River conditions further amplify these effects, leading to increased drag and turbulence. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing hull spacing and speed to enhance hydrodynamic efficiency, particularly in confined environments, providing valuable insights for improving the design and operation of trash skimmer catamarans.