Using CFD software for ship drag reduction

Vessels moving through water experience more frictional drag than vehicles moving on land or in the air. As fuel costs rise and shipbuilders comply with stricter emissions standards, reducing ship drag becomes increasingly important. Numerous technologies are available to help reduce ship drag. Finding the right one for a given vessel, though, can be time-consuming. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software with simulation technology can help engineers identify better designs faster.

An investigation of ALS for ship drag reduction

Air lubrication systems (ALS) are one method of reducing ship drag. It involves injecting air bubbles below the hull. Our white paper details a 2018 study on 3D numerical investigations into frictional drag reduction using ALS. The researchers examined and compared different injection flow rates at varying speeds in water. This numerical approach provides additional insight into vessel performance before time-consuming (and expensive) physical testing.

Read the ship drag reduction white paper to learn more

With trends like sustainability and greater cost-consciousness impacting the marine industry, shipbuilders need to reduce ship drag wherever possible. CFD simulation software can empower engineering teams to find the best designs more efficiently. Read the white paper now to learn more.