Numerical calculation of hydrodynamic forces on inland waterway vessels during circular motion in shallow and extreme shallow waters

This study evaluates various numerical setups for accurately calculating hydrodynamic forces for inland waterway vessels navigating in shallow and extreme shallow waters. The hydrodynamic problem under investigation focuses on the calculation of forces during steady circular motion of an inland waterway vessel. Five European institutions participated in this research, each proposing a unique method for calculating the hydrodynamic forces. This paper presents in detail six numerical methods and their results of steady circular motion tests at three water depth-to-draught ratios: h / T = 3 . 0 , h / T = 1 . 5 , and h / T = 1 . 2 . The comparison and analysis of these methods aim to improve the accuracy and reliability of hydrodynamic force calculations for inland waterway vessels operating in challenging shallow water conditions. • Six methods to calculate hydrodynamic forces on inland waterway vessels were compared. • Focus on extreme shallow water conditions for quantitative and qualitative analysis. • Water depth and rotation rate systematically varied in a large test matrix. • Comprehensive grid error estimation was conducted for main quantities.