The Effect of Bulbous Bow on the Rotational Motion of a Tanker Vessel

Ship hull design is pivotal in shaping vessel performance, efficiency, and safety, particularly as noise and vibration challenges grow increasingly critical. Despite advancements in hull form optimization techniques, the intricate relationship between hull geometry, especially the incorporation of bulbous bows, and noise/vibration dynamics remains underexplored. This study aims to bridge this gap by integrating SolidWorks for vessel modelling and ANSYS for noise and vibration analysis. By creating models of vessels with and without bulbous bows and evaluating their acoustic and vibrational responses, this research provides essential insights into hull design optimization for enhanced performance and reduced environmental impact. Key findings reveal that vessels with bulbous bow have a higher maximum roll angle (0.002035902◦) compared to the vessels without bulbous bow (0.000703728◦). This suggests that the bulbous bow slightly increases the vessel's susceptibility to rolling motion. While the increase in roll is minor, it can lead to more lateral instability, potentially contributing to higher noise and vibration levels, particularly from side-to-side movement. The analysis reveals that the vessel with a bulbous bow experience a slightly higher maximum pitch angle (0.261626928◦) compared to the vessel without a bulbous bow (0.245689771◦). This indicates that, although the bulbous bow is designed to improve forward motion hydrodynamics, it can result in marginally higher pitch motion. For rotational movement of the vessel around its vertical axis (side-to-side turning). The analysis shows that the vessel with a bulbous bow has a higher maximum yaw angle (0.002398874◦) compared to the vessel without a bulbous bow (0.001204504◦). This indicates that the presence of a bulbous bow slightly increases the yaw motion of the vessel. The insights garnered from this study are poised to inform future naval architecture practices, leading to the design of quieter, more efficient vessels that enhance onboard comfort, structural integrity, and environmental sustainability within the maritime industry.