Ship propulsion engineering
Ship maneuverability and dynamic positioning analysis
Manoeuvre capacity evaluation
Achieving optimal ship maneuverability is crucial in the preliminary stages of vessel design, especially for ships operating in confined or challenging waters. At VICUSdt, we use advanced CFD simulations to evaluate maneuverability with precision—without relying on time-consuming tank tests. Our process ensures reliable results based on ITTC recommendations, validated against real-world sea trials, allowing you to optimize vessel performance from the earliest design phases.
Improve ship maneuverability through evolution circle analysis
Using CFD to simulate ship maneuvers in low-speed and shallow water conditions helps to refine tactical diameter, advance, and transfer. This is especially useful in the optimization of inland navigation vessels and ensures accurate prediction of ship stability during maneuvers.
Hull, propeller and rudder geometries.
Simulation at different speeds and rudder angle
Side force, drag, turning ability
Rudder optimization
Testing course stability to improve ship maneuverability and control
We run zig-zag, spiral, and pull-out tests based on ITTC recommendations to assess course stability and maneuvering accuracy. These tests are essential to identify potential design issues related to ship stability, especially in vessels that require precise turning abilities. Detecting poor stability early in the design process helps prevent costly corrections post-construction.
Crash stop maneuver analysis using CFD
This emergency stop simulation helps assess the deceleration capacity of the vessel, accounting for propeller thrust and sea conditions. We evaluate how the ship’s propulsion system responds under critical scenarios, which is vital for enhancing ship safety and maneuverability.
Comparative CFD analysis of rudder designs for better maneuverability
Rudder design directly impacts turning radius, directional stability, and propulsion efficiency. Through CFD simulations, we compare rudder configurations to identify the optimal solution for the best balance between ship maneuverability, hydrodynamic resistance, and propulsion power. This includes conventional rudders, twisted rudders, and options with or without bulbs.
Crabbing performance and lateral displacement control
- Lateral displacement simulations evaluate the ship’s capacity to move sideways without forward movement—essential in docking, dynamic positioning systems, and offshore operations. This improves precision in dynamic positioning scenarios and helps assess the influence of azimuth thrusters and wind/current forces on lateral control.
Optimizing interaction between azimuth thrusters and dynamic positioning systems
Understanding the interaction between azimuth thrusters and the hull’s hydrodynamic response is key to optimizing dynamic positioning capabilities. We simulate flow interaction between multiple thrusters and the rudder to prevent performance losses or negative interference. This ensures reliable control in harsh sea conditions and boosts the ship’s station-keeping stability.
