A panel-Fourier method for free-surface flows

Abstract

A panel-Fourier method for ship-wave flow problems is considered here. It is based on a three-dimensional potential flow model with a linearized free surface condition, and it is implemented by means of a low order panel method coupled to a Fourier-series. The wave-resistance is computed by pressure integration over the static wet hull and the wave-pattern is obtained by a post-processing procedure. The strategy avoids the use of numerical viscosity, in contrast with the Dawson-like methods, widely used in naval-panel codes, therefore a second centered scheme can be used for the discrete operator on the free surface. Numerical results including the wave-pattern for a ferry along fifteen ship-lengths are presented.