CFD-Based Ship PMM Captive Tests Using OpenFOAM

This study presents a series of planar motion mechanism (PMM) captive tests conducted on a container ship model with a rudder using the numerical tool OpenFOAM. The flow solution is approximated by solving the Reyolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, while the evolution of the free surface is captured using the volume of fluid (VOF) method. Predefined ship motions are simulated using a dynamic mesh technique. The numerical results of hydrodynamic forces and moment are compared with the published numerical data and model test results, demonstrating satisfactory agreement. However, discrepancies are observed in transverse forces in the dynamic PMM tests, prompting further exploration of flow characteristics. The present numerical method has demonstrated promising accuracy in predicting the hydrodynamics of the virtual PMM captive tests, suggesting its potential for developing simulator for ship maneuverability in future studies.