Shallow water effects on ship-generated waves

Abstract

Understanding the characteristics of the waves generated by a ship can improve the prediction of ship’s wave resistance. Such waves generated in deep water have been studied in detail whereas in shallow water, the existing methods, mostly derived from inviscid flow, are not fully coping with physical phenomena. In this study, the changes in the height and length of ship-generated waves in shallow water are explored as well as the effects of waterbed friction. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach is selected as the main tool and a Wigley hull is chosen due to the availability of validating data. It is found that the wave cut analysis will slightly underestimate the wave resistance. The effects of bottom friction are perceivable and should be considered if a highly accurate prediction is required. This study, which improves the understanding of ship-generated waves, is expected to contribute to the prediction of ship’s wave resistance in shallow water.