This dissertation investigates introducing a center bow to the research vessel Princess Royal to improve its seakeeping characteristics and reduce wet deck slamming in head seas. The student uses computational fluid dynamics software Shipflow 6.0 to simulate the original vessel and a new model with a center bow. First, the optimal longitudinal position of the center bow is determined. Then, the heave and pitch response amplitude operators of the two models are compared across different incoming wave conditions at a cruise speed of 15 knots. Based on the simulation results, the effects on slamming pressure are also analyzed. The goal is to evaluate whether a center bow can reduce heaving and pitching motions and wet deck slamming when sailing in rough seas.

1. MODULE: MAR8098 – Dissertation
Investigation of seakeeping characteristics and wet deck
slamming in head seas by introducing a Centre Bow in the
Research Vessel Princess Royal
A Thesis submitted
for the partial fulfilment of the Degree of Master of Science in
MSc Naval Architecture
School of Marine Science and Technology
Newcastle University
Submitted by: Filippo Pavan
Student No: 140492671
Deadline Date: 7 August 2015

2. The work in this dissertation has been supervised by
Dr. Prof. M. Atlar
School of Marine Science and Technology
Newcastle University
[August 2015]
Newcastle upon Tyne

3. MSc Naval Architecture Student No: 140492671
2014/15 ii
Abstract
The research Vessel Princess Royal is a catamaran used at the Blyth Marine
Station by undergraduates and PhD students, supporting the research conducted
by Newcastle University.
The catamaran was designed in-house by staff and students and has all the
characteristics to be a perfect platform for research due to its seakeeping
characteristics with a large cross deck. However, in rough sea conditions it suffers
of heave and pitching motions and therefore wetdeck slamming is sometimes
occurring.
An analysis is carried out between the original model and a new model with a
Centre Bow designed above the water surface. The effect of this will be evaluated
by using Shipflow 6.0.
First, the Model is tested on the CFD Package in order to determine the optimal
longitudinal position of the Centre Bow.
Second, the models are tested at the cruise speed of 15 knots and at different
incoming regular waves. The solution provided by the software enabled to
determine the original and new Response Amplitude Operator.
The Heave and Pitch RAO of the two Models are compared and analyzed.
Accordingly, with the data output provided by Shipflow, an investigation of
slamming pressure is carried.
It was recommended for this project the use of a time-based software with a
nonlinear potential flow solver. Shipflow uses a non-linear free surface panel
method, a boundary layer method and a Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes
method to calculate wave-making resistance, skin friction resistance, sinkage and
other important vessel`s variables.