Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.65776/ep.20.4.3
Insights into high-fidelity propulsion modelling in ship hydrodynamics
Ivan Sulovsky
orcid.org/0000-0003-3058-6244
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering, Vukovarska 58, Rijeka, 51000, Croatia
Zoran Čarija
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering, Vukovarska 58, Rijeka, 51000, Croatia
Anton Turk
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering, Vukovarska 58, Rijeka, 51000, Croatia
Jasna Prpić-Oršić
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering, Vukovarska 58, Rijeka, 51000, Croatia
Abstract
This paper presents a Coupled Sliding Mesh (CSM) propulsion model for high-fidelity ship hydrodynamics simulations implemented within OpenFOAM. The model integrates rigid body motion with propeller rotation using Arbitrary Mesh Interface and morphing mesh approach. The model is validated against experimental data from self-propulsion tests on the Duisburg Test Case hull model at SINTEF, Norway, including calm water and three regular head wave cases. Grid comparative assessment demonstrated accurate capture of the self-propulsion point, with resistance deviating less than 1% from propeller thrust. Frequency domain analysis revealed successful capture of characteristic frequencies: wave encounter frequency, first shaft harmonic, and blade passing frequency. This study demonstrates that high-fidelity propulsion assessments can be achieved using open-source CFD tools for complex propeller-hull interaction problems.
Keywords
ship hydrodynamics, propeller modelling, OpenFOAM, CFD, self-propulsion
Hrčak ID:
348285
URI
Publication date:
26.6.2026.
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