Numerical hull resistance calculation of a catamarán using OpenFOAM

In the present study, numerical resistance predictions using OpenFOAM were performed considering the Cormorant Evolution Catamaran, which provides travel services in the Galapagos Islands. These predictions were compared with experimental data published by Chávez and Lucín [1] and with systematic series [2].Simulations were made at model scale of 2 [m] in two load conditions, considering demi and twin hull (s=0.56 [m]) configurations. A mesh convergence study was performed with 3 different meshes for V=1.05 [m/s] at Light Condition (T=0.086 [m]). The converged mesh, with 1 million of cells approximately, has the lower standard deviation and a 5% error when compared to its experimental value of 1.79 [N]. The errors between the experimental data and the numerical simulations for demi hull configuration were 43% and 36% for Light and Full conditions, respectively. Besides, for twin hull configuration the errors were around 14% and 32% for Light and Full conditions, respectively.En el presente estudio, predicciones numéricas de resistencia usando OpenFOAM fueron realizadas considerando el Catamarán “Cormorant Evolution”, que ofrece servicios turísticos en las Islas Galápagos. Las predicciones numéricas fueron comparadas con datos experimentales publicados por Chávez y Lucín [1], y con métodos estadísticos [2]. Las simulaciones fueron realizadas con un modelo de 2[m] en dos condiciones de carga, considerando uno y los dos cascos (s=0.56 [m]). Se realizó un estudio de convergencia con tres mallas para V=1.05 [m/s] en condición ligera (T=0.086 [m]). La malla seleccionada contiene alrededor de 1 millón de celdas y presenta un error del 5% frente a una resistencia experimental de 1.79 [N]. El promedio de los errores entre datos experimentales y simulaciones numéricas para un casco son del 43% y 36% para condición ligera y cargada, respectivamente. Por otro lado, los errores para dos cascos son del 14% y 32% para condición ligera y cargada, respectivamente