On the relation between flow behaviour and the lateral force distribution acting on a ship in oblique motion

This paper presents the results of a research project focussed on the simulation of the viscous flow fields around five vessels sailing at a non-zero drift angle. The calculated flow fields were used to investigate flow features relevant to the lateral-force distribution, thus offering insight in the physics involved in the manoeuvring behaviour of ships. This insight can be used to improve the manoeuvring characteristics in the early stages of the design process.