Comparative analysis of hull force models at low speeds

As ship traffic density increases in port waterways, ships are required to perform low-speed maneuvers more frequently to avoid collisions and grounding. However, reduced crew numbers and limited operational experience have significantly heightened safety risks. Therefore, research on low-speed ship maneuvering performance is essential for ensuring navigational safety. Although various hull force models have been developed, a systematic comparison of their predictive capabilities remains lacking. This study presents a comparative analysis of low-speed hull force models based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). An efficient CFD simulation method is proposed and validated through static oblique towing tests and rotating arm test. Numerical simulations are conducted under conditions involving large drift angles and high yaw rates. Based on the simulation results, model parameter identification and performance evaluation are performed for several models, including the constant-speed domain and Fourier expansion models. The findings indicate that the constant-speed domain model performs best in predicting longitudinal forces, while the Fourier expansion model demonstrates higher accuracy in capturing lateral forces and yaw moments. Combining the strengths of the constant-speed domain and Fourier expansion models holds promise for the development of a more accurate and comprehensive hydrodynamic modeling framework. This research provides a reliable theoretical foundation for simulating ship maneuvering behavior under low-speed conditions and offers new technical perspectives for maneuverability prediction and the development of automated berthing systems.