Abstract
This paper describes the application of computational fluid dynamics rather than a towing tank test for the prediction of hydrodynamic derivatives using a RANS-based solver. Virtual captive model tests are conducted, including an oblique towing test and circular motion test for a bare model scale KVLCC2 hull, to obtain linear and nonlinear hydrodynamic derivatives in the 3rd-order MMG model. A static drift test is used in a convergence study to verify the numerical accuracy. The computed hydrodynamic forces and derivatives are compared with the available captive model test data, showing good agreement overall. Simulations of standard turning and zigzag manoeuvres are carried out with the computed hydrodynamic derivatives and are compared with available experimental data. The results show an acceptable level of prediction accuracy, indicating that the proposed method is capable of predicting manoeuvring motions.