Modelling the Effect of Bow Profile Variations on Naval Ship for Optimizing Resistance Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

This study closely examines the intricate relationship between bow profiles and the hydrodynamic resistance experienced by naval vessels, employing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a pivotal tool for analysis. The study examined three distinct bow configurations: no-axe, semi-axe, and fully-axe designs. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain which of these configurations most effectively minimizes hydrodynamics resistance, which is a critical factor in enhancing the performance and efficiency of naval ships. Through a series of detailed CFD simulations, the finding revealed that both the semi-axe and fully-axe designs significantly reduced resistance compared to the traditional no-axe bow design. The semi-axe design achieved an impressive average reduction of 9.17%, whereas the fully-axe configuration followed closely with a reduction of 7.64%. Interestingly, the semi-axe bow surpasses the fully-axe design in terms of resistance reduction and provided an additional advantage of 1.42%, underscoring its superior hydrodynamics performance compared to the fully-axe design. These results underscore the potential benefits of adopting innovative bow shapes in naval architecture, particularly regarding operational efficiency. The simulations further indicated that the alternative bow design contributed to a notable decrease in the wave height during the vessel’s interaction with water. By refining bow shapes, naval forces can enhance not only the speed and agility of their vessels but also their overall mission effectiveness, particularly in challenging maritime environments. The implications of this research extend beyond more performance metrics; they highlight the critical need for ongoing innovation in vessel design to meet the evolving challenges of maritime security and operational readiness.