A study on the energy saving fin attached on the ship stern

Abstract

This research investigates the design of the energy saving fin attached on the stern of a VLCC hull form. The CFD simulation investigates the flow field around the ship equipped with the stern fin as well as its hydrodynamic effects on the resistance reduction and propulsive performance. The simulation includes changes on the geometry of the fin, such as the fin span, the longitudinal length, and the location of fin at the stern hull. The pressure distributions on the stern hull and the wake distributions at the propeller plane, disturbed by the various attached fins, are numerically analyzed. The model tests of resistance test, self-propulsion test, and wake measurement, are carried out at the towing tank of KORDI (Korea Ocean Research & Development Institute) to validate effects of the energy saving fin. The main idea for the energy saving effect is focused on fast pressure recovery around stern areas in order to reduce the form drag.the resistance reduction and propulsive performance. The simulation includes changes on the geometry of the fin, such as the fin span, the longitudinal length, and the location of fin at the stern hull. The pressure distributions on the stern hull and the wake distributions at the propeller plane, disturbed by the various attached fins, are numerically analyzed. The model tests of resistance test, self-propulsion test, and wake measurement, are carried out at the towing tank of KORDI (Korea Ocean Research & Development Institute) to validate effects of the energy saving fin. The main idea for the energy saving effect is focused on fast pressure recovery around stern areas in order to reduce the form drag.