Application of boundary element method for the analysis of potential flow field and wave resistance in finite depth of water

Abstract

A boundary element method is presented for solving a nonlinear free surface flow problem for a ship moving with a uniform speed in shallow water. The free surface boundary condition is linearized by the systematic method of perturbation in terms of a small parameter. The surfaces are discretized into flat quadrilateral elements and the influence coefficients are calculated by Morino’s analytical formula. Dawson’s upstream finite difference operator is used in order to satisfy the radiation condition. A verification of the numerical modelling is made using the Wigley hull. The peak of the wave resistance curve and the wave pattern at the critical speed demonstrate the validity of the computer scheme.