Numerical Study on the Effect of Stern Flap for Hydrodynamic Performance of Catamaran

This paper presents CFD simulation results of the stern flap effect with different lengths for hydrodynamic performance of catamaran moving in calm water, including resistance and sailing attitude. Inhouse viscous CFD (computational fluid dynamics) code HUST-Ship (Hydrodynamic Unsteady Simulation Technology for Ship) is used for the study. The catamaran with/without stern flap with different lengths were studied. The trim and sinkage of the catamaran were solved coupled with flow solver. Experimental studies in calm water were conducted to validate the numerical method. The comparison of hydrodynamic performance of catamaran with stern flaps of different lengths was made. The results show that the stern flap can reduce the sailing attitude and has influence for the resistance of catamaran at high-speed.