Optimization of outrigger spacing of a trimaran hull using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the total resistance of a trimaran by optimizing the outrigger spacing, along both longitudinal and transverse directions, using the potential flow solver from a numerical model called SHIPFLOW, a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) package.;A body plan of the tri-hull was considered from an existing report and was converted into a 3-D model using the RHINO software. The outriggers were modified along the length for our study. Using the offset file obtained from the RHINO software, rung were then made for different outrigger positions along both longitudinal and transverse directions with respect to the main hull.;The wave making drag was obtained from the SHIPFLOW analyses. The frictional drag was calculated using the ITTC 1957 line. The total drag was then calculated adding the wave making drag and frictional drag.;The total resistance obtained from the SHIPFLOW analysis was then compared with the results obtained from the MICHELET, a software based on Michelle's Thin Ship theory.