CFD Investigation of the Effect of Water Depth on Manoeuvring Forces on Inland Ships

As part of a research program focusing on shallow-water manoeuvring of inland ships, a set of model tests is reproduced using CFD techniques. The aim of this study is to investigate the capability of MARIN’s CFD software to predict manoeuvring forces and moments in shallow-water conditions using standardised procedures. The test matrix features small drift angles at different speeds and water depths with under-keel clearances between 20% and 100%. The computed hydrodynamic loads on the hull as well as the squat of the ship are compared with experimental results.