A Numerical Study on Wave Run Up on an FPSO Bow

In this paper results are presented of numerical simulations of a wedge that penetrates the water surface. An extensive test series was carried out in which wedges were accelerated into the water with various velocities. These tests were done to study bow-flare slamming and the wave run up around the bow of an FPSO. Some of these tests were selected for the numerical simulations. The simulations have been carried with a NavierStokes solver based on a modified Volume Of Fluid (VOF) method that keeps track of the position of the free surface. The measured position of the wedge during the tests and the geometry of the wedge was put into the program to enable a reproduction of the tests. The simulations show the typical behavior of the water after the wedge has penetrated the water surface. Measured and calculated pressures are compared and show a good similarity. Measured and calculated wave elevations in front of the wedge are less similar due to the violent water behavior. The method is a promising tool for the analysis of wave-impact problems on realistic ship hulls.