Shaping the Future of High-Speed Vessels: Orca3D’s Presentation at MARINE 2025

By: Larry Leibman

Orca3D, LLC and Simerics Inc. are pleased to announce the upcoming presentation of a technical paper authored by principal investigator, Dr. Chengjie Wang of Simerics, and co-authored by Orca3D co-founder and principal software developer, Larry Leibman, together with co-authors Mike Nader and Dr. Karl Stambaugh representing the USCG. The paper, entitled "6-DOF Simulation of High-Speed Boat Maneuvering", was presented at the XI International Conference on Computational Methods in Marine Engineering (June 23-25, 2025) in Edinburgh, Scotland (https://marine2025.cimne.com/). This paper presents the results of research focused on the use of high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to enhance the design and maneuverability of high-speed vessels.

The study primarily focuses on the U.S. Coast Guard’s 47ft Motor Lifeboat (47FT MLB), a versatile vessel used for search and rescue and other high-speed operations in challenging conditions. The findings from this research will hopefully contribute to improving the design of vessels like the 47FT MLB, providing a more accurate, data-driven approach to optimizing maneuvering capabilities.

At the heart of this research is the application of high-fidelity CFD simulations using Orca3D Marine CFD with Simerics-MP to the design of boat appendages, specifically rudders, for high-speed boats. Traditionally, the design of these components has relied on empirical methods, which were often insufficient for optimizing performance in real-world conditions. This research marks a step forward in high-speed vessel design by introducing advanced simulations that provide deeper insight into the complex hydrodynamic interactions that influence boat maneuverability.

One of the core aspects of this research is the use of 6-Degree-of-Freedom (6-DOF) free-running maneuvering simulations together with the 3D representation of the propeller geometry (instead of simplified representations like an actuator disk model). These simulations replicate real-world maneuvering by modeling the dynamic behavior of the boat in 3 linear and 3 rotational directions: surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw including the effects of the interaction between the propeller and the local flow field. This approach allows for a more accurate representation of a vessel's dynamic performance during standard maneuvers such as turning circles and zig-zag experiments.

 

Using the RANS-based CFD tool, Simerics-MP, the study models the interaction between the boat and the water surface with remarkable precision. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) method is used to accurately capture the complex free surface dynamics, allowing the simulations to account for the way the boat hull interacts with waves and water. This methodology enhances the realism of the simulation, providing more reliable results when compared to traditional empirical methods. Furthermore, the inclusion of the 3D propeller facilitates a higher fidelity assessment of the effects of extreme inflow angles on the propeller performance than would be possible using the simplified actuator disk model.

One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its rigorous validation against real-world data. The simulation results were compared to experimental data from the U.S. Coast Guard's 47ft Motor Lifeboat (47FT MLB), a widely used platform in maritime operations. The comparison between simulated and actual performance demonstrated that the CFD simulations accurately captured key performance metrics such as minimum turning radius, tactical diameter, and speed and other dynamic behavior during a turn. The agreement between the simulations and experimental data validated the effectiveness of the CFD tool for predicting vessel behavior during complex maneuvers. This level of validation is critical, as it ensures that the simulations can be relied upon for real-world design applications.

An additional outcome from this study is the introduction of an improved propeller force model. In traditional design processes using CFD simulation, the forces generated by the boat's propellers are often simplified using actuator disc models. However, these models fail to capture the full complexity of how real propellers behave, especially in dynamic conditions such as turns or high-speed maneuvers. The new propeller force model developed in this study incorporates information obtained by using actual propeller geometries, thereby improving the accuracy of the simulations by considering the unique flow characteristics of the propellers themselves.

By modeling the propeller geometry in detail, the research team was able to more accurately predict the propulsive forces involved in maneuvering. This level of precision is especially important for high-speed vessels where relatively small errors in propeller force predictions can lead to substantial performance discrepancies. The results of these high-fidelity analyses with detailed propeller geometry were then used to develop an adjustment to apply to the simplified actuator disk model for appendage design purposes.

This research pushes the boundaries of traditional design methods in several ways. By leveraging CFD simulations, the authors of Orca3D Marine CFD with Simerics-MP have created a tool that not only provides greater accuracy in predicting vessel behavior but also allows for the exploration of design alternatives that were previously difficult to model. This data-driven approach opens up new possibilities for designing high-speed vessels that are both more efficient and more reliable.

The traditional empirical approach to boat appendage design often relied on simplified calculations that didn’t consider the unique characteristics of each vessel. CFD simulations, on the other hand, allow designers to explore a range of design options and performance scenarios. For example, the team could vary the size and shape of the rudders or propellers and simulate their effects on the boat’s maneuverability. This flexibility is crucial for designing vessels that must perform in a variety of operational conditions, from calm water to rough seas.

While this study focuses on calm-water maneuvers, the authors emphasize that the techniques developed can be expanded to account for more complex conditions, including maneuvering in a seaway. By integrating wave dynamics and environmental factors, future iterations of this research could provide a comprehensive tool for designing vessels that can handle challenging conditions at sea, making it highly relevant for search and rescue, military operations, and high-speed transportation.

The paper was presented by principal author Dr. Chengjie Wang at the XI International Conference on Computational Methods in Marine Engineering in Edinburgh (https://marine2025.cimne.com/). This prestigious conference is a gathering of leaders in the application of computational methods to the design of ships and offshore structures, and Orca3D is honored to contribute to the advancement of high-speed vessel design.

We invite you to explore the latest research that is shaping the future of high-speed boat design. If you’re interested in trying out these powerful simulation tools, download a free trial today and see for yourself how our CFD technology can enhance your boat designs and improve maneuverability predictions.

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