Hydrodynamic Analysis of a Stepped Planing Hull Through Sea Trials and CFD Simulations

This study examines the hydrodynamic behaviour of a 15-meter stepped planing hull through full-scale sea trials and numerical simulations. The sea trials, conducted in calm water conditions, provided key performance data, including pressure resistance, shear resistance and heave. A simplified procedure for conducting the sea trials was developed and implemented and these experimental results served as a baseline for a comparison with the results of a multiphase Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model. This procedure enabled efficient testing while maintaining the accuracy of the results. The CFD simulation focused on understanding the natural ventilation process beneath the hull, a crucial factor in improving performance. Detailed studies were carried out on the wave profiles and resistance distribution under various flow conditions. The analysis explored the behaviour of natural ventilation in relation to resistance reduction, offering critical insights into optimizing hull performance through natural air flow mechanisms. This study underscores the potential of combining full-scale trials with advanced numerical modelling to enhance the design and performance evaluation of planing vessels. The findings contribute to the development of more efficient ships, with implications for improved energy efficiency and sustainability in recreational marine applications.