Assessment of manoeuvring performance of large tankers in restricted waterways: a real-time simulation approach

During the past 30 years there has been a steady growth in the size and number of ships that use the Strait of Istanbul (Bosporus) which is one of the most hazardous, crowded, difficult and potentially dangerous waterways in the world. There have been over 200 accidents over the past decade resulting in loss of life and serious damage to the environment. This paper presents the results of a real-time ship manoeuvring simulation study investigating the manoeuvring performance of large tankers in the Bosporus. The study was conducted with a ship manoeuvring simulator which is capable of subjecting a given hull form to any combination of environmental conditions, i.e. wind, current and wave drift forces. The results indicate that when realistic environmental conditions are taken into account the size of ships which can navigate safely in compliance with the traffic separation lanes is limited.     

Validation of ship manoeuvring models using metamodels

This paper describes how simplified auxiliary models—metamodels—can be used to create benchmarks for validating ship manoeuvring simulation models. A metamodel represents ship performance for a limited range of parameters, such as rudder angles and surge velocity. In contrast to traditional system identification methods, metamodels are identified from multiple trial recordings, each containing data on the ship’s inherent dynamics (similar for all trials) and random disturbances such as environmental effects and slightly different loading conditions. Thus, metamodels can be used to obtain these essential data, where simple averaging is not possible. In addition, metamodels are used to represent a ship’s behaviour and not to obtain physical insights into ship dynamics. The experimental trials used for the identification of metamodels can be found in in-service recorded data. After the metamodel is identified, it is used to simulate trials without substantial deviations from the ship state parameters used for the identification. Subsequently, the predictions of the metamodels are compared with the predictions of a tested manoeuvring simulation model. We present two case studies to demonstrate the application of metamodels for moderate turning motions of two ships.     

Manoeuvring prediction of pusher barge in deep and shallow water

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the manoeuvring characteristics of a pusher-barge system for deep (H/d>3) and shallow water (H/d=1.3) condition. Since, the operation of pusher-barge mainly concentrates on confined waters, there is a need to predict and analyze the manoeuvring characteristic of the system for a safe and acceptable performance. A time domain simulation programme was developed for this purpose. A series of model experiments were carried out to determine the hydrodynamic coefficients using a planar motion mechanism (PMM). The time domain simulation shows the manoeuvring characteristic in the form of turning circle trajectories and zig-zag manoeuvre based on the hydrodynamic coefficients, which were derived based on experimental results. The manoeuvring characteristics in shallow and deep water conditions were compared through the simulation results. A comparison of simulation results based on experimental and empirical driven coefficients for both conditions shows that the experimental coefficients gave better manoeuvring characteristics for both turning circle trajectories and zig-zag manoeuvre.     

Parametric rolling behaviour of azimuthing propulsion-driven ships

The study investigates the experimental and numerical analysis of the occurrence of auto-parametric rolling for large, high-speed pod-driven ships in waves. Considering unique design and performance targets, the aim here is to exploit susceptibility to auto-parametric rolling behaviour and to identify probable design and operational precautions. In order to achieve this aim, an existing non-linear time-domain software to simulate capsizing and other critical manoeuvring behaviours of slow- to medium-speed conventional and podded ships in waves is being enhanced for fast pod-driven vessels and then compared against the dedicated model test conducted in long-crested regular and random waves for a large, pod-driven containership model. This paper includes the presentation of current numerical modifications for pod-driven ships and the verification analysis.     

Measures to diminish the parameter drift in the modeling of ship manoeuvring using system identification

System identification provides an effective way to predict the ship manoeuvrability. In this paper several measures are proposed to diminish the parameter drift in the parametric identification of ship manoeuvring models. The drift of linear hydrodynamic coefficients can be accounted for from the point of view of dynamic cancellation, while the drift of nonlinear hydrodynamic coefficients is explained from the point of view of regression analysis. To diminish the parameter drift, reconstruction of the samples and modification of the mathematical model of ship manoeuvring motion are carried out. Difference method and the method of additional excitation are proposed to reconstruct the samples. Using correlation analysis, the structure of a manoeuvring model is simplified. Combined with the measures proposed, support vector machines based identification is employed to determine the hydrodynamic coefficients in a modified Abkowitz model. Experimental data from the free-running model tests of a KVLCC2 ship are analyzed and the hydrodynamic coefficients are identified. Based on the regressive model, simulation of manoeuvres is conducted. Comparison between the simulation results and the experimental results demonstrates the validity of the proposed measures.     

Experimental investigation of free-running ship manoeuvers under extreme shallow water conditions

We present an experimental investigation of a free-running manoeuvring inland waterway ship at extreme shallow water conditions. Physical tests of zig-zag manoeuvres at two different water depths were performed in model scale and investigated with regards to the effects of limited under-keel clearance. Experimental data comprise results from repeatability studies and may serve for validation of manoeuvring simulations.     

Automatic collision avoidance of multiple ships based on deep Q-learning

As the number of ships for marine transportation increases with the globalisation of the world economy, waterways are becoming more congested than before. This situation will raise the risk of collision of the ships; hence, an automatic collision avoidance system needs to be developed. In this paper, a novel approach based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed for automatic collision avoidance of multiple ships particularly in restricted waters. A training method and algorithms for collision avoidance of ships, incorporating ship manoeuvrability, human experience and navigation rules, are presented in detail. The proposed approach is investigated not only by numerical simulations but also by model experiments using three self-propelled ships. Through the systematic numerical and experimental validation, it is demonstrated the developed approach based on the DRL has great possibility for realising automatic collision avoidance of ships in highly complicated navigational situations.     

Full scale CFD seakeeping simulations for case study ship redesigned from V-shaped bulbous bow to X-bow hull form

Increasing propulsion efficiency, safety, comfort and operability are of the great importance, especially for small ships operating on windy sites like the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Seakeeping performance of ships and offshore structures can be analysed by different methods and the one that is becoming increasingly important is CFD RANS. The recent development of simulation techniques together with rising HPC accessibility enables performance of advanced seakeeping simulations for ships in a full scale. The paper presents CFD seakeeping analysis for a case study vessel in two variants: V-shaped bulbous bow hull form (as built) and innovative hull form (X-bow type). The study presents the influence of redesigning the ship on selected seakeeping aspects. The advanced CFD model, with the application of overset mesh technique, was described in detail. Selected numerical results were validated on the basis of experimental testing in a towing tank and showed good agreement. The approach demonstrated here of performing the CFD seakeeping simulations for the analysis of ship performance in a full scale and close to real loading conditions has direct application to the design process as well as in determination of optimal operational parameters of any ship.     

Maneuvering performance of high-speed ships with effect of roll motion

Equations of yaw, sway, roll and rudder motions are formulated to represent realistic maneuvering behavior of high-speed ships such as destroyers. Important coupling terms between yaw, sway, roll and rudder were included on the basis of recent captive model test results of a high-speed ship. A series of computer runs was made by using equations of yaw, sway, roll and rudder motions. Results indicate substantial coupling effects between yaw, roll, and rudder, which introduce changes in maneuvering characteristics and reduce course stability in high-speed operation. These effects together with relatively small GM (which is typical for certain high-speed ships) produce large rolling motions in a seaway as frequently observed in actual operations. Results of digital simulations and captive model tests clearly indicate the major contributing factors to such excessive rolling motions at sea.     

Identification of hydrodynamic coefficients for manoeuvring simulation model of a fishing vessel

The results of numerical and experimental investigations on the manoeuvring performance of a fishing vessel, typical for Mediterranean Sea, are here presented. PMM experiments were used for evaluating hydrodynamic derivatives and implementing the theoretical model. The simulation model was validated, both with zig-zag and spiral experimental model tests results in still water and compared with Tribon Initial Design module results.     

Uncertainty estimation of a CFD-methodology for the performance analysis of a collective and cyclic pitch propeller

Estimation and analysis of the uncertainty introduced by using a numerical model for the investigation and study of any type of flow problem have become common industry practice. Through understanding and evaluation of the uncertainty introduced by a numerical model, the accuracy and applicability of the model itself are evaluated. In this paper, the numerical uncertainty of a CFD-methodology developed to analyse the hydrodynamic performance of a collective and cyclic pitch propeller (CCPP) is estimated and analysed. The CCPP is a novel propulsion and manoeuvring concept for autonomous underwater vehicles, aimed to generate both propulsion and manoeuvring forces through advanced control of the propeller's blade pitch. The numerical uncertainty is established for three performance parameters, the generated propulsive force, the side-force magnitude, and the side-force orientation, by conducting a grid and time-step refinement study over three operational conditions. Additionally, the influence of the oscillatory uncertainty, introduced by the periodic nature of the problem, is investigated although shown to have a minimal effect when properly monitored. Based on a least-squares regression analysis of the refined simulation results, the numerical uncertainty is proven to be dominated by the introduced discretisation errors. In the case of the propulsive and side-force magnitude, the total uncertainty is dictated by the time discretisation uncertainty under bollard pull conditions, while the total uncertainty of the captive cases is mainly a result of the spatial discretisation uncertainty. The total uncertainty in the side-force orientation is observed to be primarily a consequence of the time discretisation uncertainty for all simulated cases. Overall, the total uncertainty for captive cases can be considered satisfactory for all three performance parameters, while further work is needed to reduce the observed uncertainty of the simulations under bollard pull conditions.     

Computation of inertial and damping characteristics of ship sections in shallow water

Hydrodynamics of 2D contours representing ship sections is considered for the case of small harmonic oscillations with a modification of a boundary-integral-equation method implemented earlier for the deep-fluid case. Alterations of the algorithm required by the finite-depth case are described in the present study and a number of numerical results are given.These include comparison with another code for the case of flat horizontal bottom and comparative calculations made for the case of the abrupt change of depth near the ship (stepped bottom). The results can be used for estimation of the bottom's influence on the manoeuvring and seakeeping qualities of ships.     

Mathematical models for ship path prediction in manoeuvring simulation systems

The problem of simulating the ship manoeuvring motion is studied mainly in connection with manoeuvring simulators. Several possible levels of solution to the problem with different degrees of complexity and accuracy are discussed. It is shown that the structure of the generic manoeuvring mathematical model leads naturally to two basic approaches based respectively on dynamic and purely kinematic prediction models. A simplified but fast dynamic manoeuvring model is proposed as well as two new advances in kinematic prediction methods: a prediction based on current values of velocities and accelerations and a method of anticipating the ship's trajectory in a course changing manoeuvre.     

Numerical Simulation on the Resistance Performance of Ice-Going Container Ship Under Brash Ice Conditions

Ice resistance prediction is a critical issue in the preliminary design of ships navigating brash ice conditions, which is closely related to the safety of a ship to navigate encounter brash ice, and has significant effects on the kinds of propellers and motor power needed. In research on this topic, model tests and full-scale tests on ships have thus far been the primary approaches. In recent years, the application of the finite element method (FEM) has also attracted interest. Some researchers have conducted numerical simulations on ship–ice interactions using the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) method. This study used this method to predict and analyze the resistance of an ice-going ship, and compared the results with those of model ship tests conducted in a towing tank with synthetic ice to discuss the feasibility of the FEM. A numerical simulation and experimental methods were used to predict the brash ice resistance of an ice-going container ship model in a condition with three concentrations of brash ice (60%, 80%, and 90%). A comparison of the results yielded satisfactory agreement between the numerical simulation and the experiments in terms of both observed phenomena and resistance values, indicating that the proposed numerical simulation has significant potential for use in related studies in the future.     

Numerical analysis of control surface effects on AUV manoeuvrability

Computational fluid dynamics, CFD, is becoming an essential tool in the prediction of the hydrodynamic efforts and flow characteristics of underwater vehicles for manoeuvring studies. However, when applied to the manoeuvrability of autonomous underwater vehicles, AUVs, most studies have focused on the determination of static coefficients without considering the effects of the vehicle control surface deflection. This paper analyses the hydrodynamic efforts generated on an AUV considering the combined effects of the control surface deflection and the angle of attack using CFD software based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes formulations. The CFD simulations are also independently conducted for the AUV bare hull and control surface to better identify their individual and interference efforts and to validate the simulations by comparing the experimental results obtained in a towing tank. Several simulations of the bare hull case were conducted to select the k–ω SST turbulent model with the viscosity approach that best predicts its hydrodynamic efforts. Mesh sensitivity analyses were conducted for all simulations. For the flow around the control surfaces, the CFD results were analysed according to two different methodologies, standard and nonlinear. The nonlinear regression methodology provides better results than the standard methodology does for predicting the stall at the control surface. The flow simulations have shown that the occurrence of the control surface stall depends on a linear relationship between the angle of attack and the control surface deflection. This type of information can be used in designing the vehicle's autopilot system.     

Simulation of turning circle by CFD: Analysis of different propeller models and their effect on manoeuvring prediction

Propeller modelling in CFD simulations is a key issue for the correct prediction of hull-propeller interactions, manoeuvring characteristics and the flow field in the stern region of a marine vehicle. From this point of view, actuator disk approaches have proved their reliability and computational efficiency; for these reasons, they are commonly used for the analysis of propulsive performance of a ship. Nevertheless, these models often neglect peculiar physical phenomena which characterise the operating propeller in off-design condition, namely the in-plane loads that are of paramount importance when considering non-standard or unusual propeller/rudder arrangements. In order to emphasize the importance of these components (in particular the propeller lateral force) and the need of a detailed propeller model for the correct prediction of the manoeuvring qualities of a ship, the turning circle manoeuvre of a self-propelled fully appended twin screw tanker-like ship model with a single rudder is simulated by the unsteady RANS solver χnavis developed at CNR-INSEAN; several propeller models able to include the effect of the strong oblique flow component encountered during a manoeuvre have been considered and compared. It is emphasized that, despite these models account for very complex and fundamental physical effects, which would be lost by a traditional actuator disk approach, the increase in computational resources is almost negligible. The accuracy of these models is assessed by comparison with experimental data from free running tests. The main features of the flow field, with particular attention to the vortical structures detached from the hull are presented as well.     

Uncertainty of full-scale manoeuvring trial results estimated using a simulation model

This paper describes how to estimate the uncertainty of manoeuvring sea trial results without performing repeated tests using only a simulation model. The approach is based on the Monte Carlo method of uncertainty propagation. Moreover, the global sensitivity analysis procedure based on variance decomposition is described. As an example, the method is applied to estimate the uncertainty of 10°/10° zigzag overshoot angles and a 20° turning circle advance and tactical diameter for a small research vessel. The estimated uncertainty is compared with corresponding experimental uncertainty assessed from repeated tests. The method can be useful for validation studies and other studies that involve the uncertainty of sea trial results.     

Numerical investigation of the hydrodynamic interaction between two underwater bodies in relative motion

The hydrodynamic interaction between an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) manoeuvring in close proximity to a larger underwater vehicle can cause rapid changes in the motion of the AUV. This interaction can lead to mission failure and possible vehicle collision. Being self-piloted and comparatively small, an AUV is more susceptible to these interaction effects than the larger body. In an aim to predict the manoeuvring performance of an AUV under the effects of the interaction, the Australian Maritime College (AMC) has conducted a series of computer simulations and captive model experiments. A numerical model was developed to simulate pure sway motion of an AUV at different lateral and longitudinal positions relative to a larger underwater vehicle using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFDs). The variables investigated include the surge force, sway force and the yaw moment coefficients acting on the AUV due to interaction effects, which were in turn validated against experimental results. A simplified method is presented to obtain the hydrodynamic coefficients of an AUV when operating close to a larger underwater body by transforming the single body hydrodynamic coefficients of the AUV using the steady-state interaction forces. This method is considerably less time consuming than traditional methods. Furthermore, the inverse of this method (i.e. to obtain the steady state interaction force) is also presented to obtain the steady-state interaction force at multiple lateral separations efficiently. Both the CFD model and the simplified methods have been validated against the experimental data and are capable of providing adequate interaction predictions. Such methods are critical for accurate prediction of vehicle performance under varying conditions present in real life.     

Intelligent behaviour-based team UUVs cooperation and navigation in a water flow environment

This paper considers the problem of intelligent behaviour-based team unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) cooperation and navigation, especially in a water flow environment. Animals often have behaviour which aims to maintain them living as groups. We learn from animals’ typical group behaviour and develop behaviour-based rules for team cooperation of UUVs. We create simulation scenarios in which a team of vehicles cooperate to track a target in a water current environment. This paper customises several behaviour-based rules to satisfy the requirement of the desired scenarios. We use fuzzy logic controllers to set different priority weights for each rule on-line according to the situation that the vehicles meet. The decision of the vehicle's next step steering direction is made by the combination of these rules multiplied by the relative priority weights. The line-of-sight guidance law is modified as the navigation rule in a water flow environment. The dynamic manoeuvring model of a real small UUV, SUBZERO III, is used in the simulation. The simulation results indicate that the entire system is successful in reaching the target without any collision within the scenario. The different trajectories and travel times are compared and discussed when normal and modified line-of-sight guidance rules are applied.     

考虑自由面反射作用的圆柱流噪声计算

对于现代舰船而言噪声是其关键性能之一,目前水下航行体的流激噪声预测方法已经较为成熟,但是水面舰船的水动力噪声研究起步较晚,还没有形成系统的预报方法和控制手段。使用开源CFD工具包OpenFOAM求解器,流场通过大涡模拟方法求解,自由液面则依靠VOF方法捕捉,通过Curle方程预测远场噪声,基于镜像法考虑自由面的反射作用,数值模拟近自由面圆柱周围的声场分布。开展了Re=3 900下距离自由液面不同高度的圆柱辐射噪声求解,主要结合流场分析自由面对声场的扰动作用和不同深度对水下几何体流噪声的影响。初步考虑了自由液面波形对辐射噪声的反射作用,为后续预测水面舰船的水动力噪声特性提供依据,自由面对辐射噪声的阻抗等作用还需进一步研究。