EVALUATION OF INTERCEPTOR DESIGN TO REDUCE DRAG ON PLANING HULL

Abstract

A planing hull is a high-speed craft with relatively complex hydrodynamic characteristics. An increase in speed can induce a significant change in trim angle with an increment in ship drag. One solution to reduce ship resistance is to use an interceptor. This research aimed to analyze the hydrodynamics of a planing hull vessel by applying an interceptor. The fundamental aspects reviewed included the analysis of drag, trim, heave, and lift force. The interceptor would be investigated on the basis of its integrated position at its height. This research also used the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method in calm water conditions. All simulations were conducted with the same mesh structure, which allowed the performance evaluation of the interceptor in calculating turbulent air–water flow around the ship. Numerical calculations used the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equation with the k–ε turbulence model to predict the turbulent flow. The vertical motion of the ship was modeled using dynamic fluid–body interaction (DFBI) in the fluid domain through an overset mesh technique. The numerical approach was compared with the experimental test results of Park et al. to ensure the accuracy of the test results. The interceptor was designed at the transition phase, which showed the highest trim angle followed by high drag. The interceptor would experience negative trim at high speeds; thus, it was not recommended. The research results indicated that the most effective use of the interceptor was at Froude number 0.87 close to the chine position with a height of 100%. This interceptor could reduce a maximum of 57% drag, 17% heave, 8.48% trim, and 0.12% lift force. The interceptor could increase excessive drag and trim at Froude numbers over 1.16. The interceptor proved to be remarkably useful in trim control and ship drag reduction, but selecting the wrong dimensions and positions of the interceptor could endanger the ship. This simulation was performed on Aragon-2; thus, the interceptor performance may possibly change if a different hull geometry is used.