Influence of the free surface on turbulent kinetic energy in the wake of a full ship

Turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) is a measure for unsteady loads and important regarding the design of e.g. propellers or energy-saving devices. While simulations are often done for a double-body, using a symmetry condition, experiments and the final product have a free surface. Simulations with and without free surface are carried out for the Japan Bulk Carrier, comparing TKE in the vortex cores. The reliability of finding the vortex centers is discussed. As the fine meshes show an unexpected trend for the TKE, a detailed investigation is done, mainly to exclude method-related drawbacks from using a hybrid URANS/ LES model. It is found that a shift in vortex-core positions distorts the results whereby the experimental center positions which are referenced are questionable. Using a fixed position for all cases improves comparability and gives a different picture. Thereupon the medium meshes were enhanced in such a way that one of the refinement boxes was extended further forward, now showing much better agreement with the fine meshes. TKE is then portrayed as integral quantity and shows no significant difference between the simulations with and without free surface. However, the structure itself is influenced by the surface in a way which alters local characteristics. • Integral amount of turbulent kinetic energy in wake of slow full ship independent of free surface. • Free surface changes spatial distribution of vorticity and turbulent kinetic energy. • Scalars in 2D plane not reliable to capture and analyse 3D phenomena, integral quantities recommended instead.