Investigation of optimum loading condition for a barge based on hydroelastic analysis

Traditional methods have studied the effects of load simulations by analysing structural and hydrodynamic factors separately. However, results from traditional methods commonly either overestimate or underestimate compared to hydroelasticity experiments and simulations. The aim of this research is to find parametric optimisation for placing additional weight based on the heave, vertical bending moment (VBM), and vertical shear force (VSF) for the model scale of a barge. We use a fully coupled simulation of hydrodynamic and structural approaches, utilising computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the finite element method (FEM). The simulation results revealed that placing additional load on the barge will cause vertical motion to shift in the negative direction within the area where the load is placed, but this effect will diminish at a distant position. Additionally, the VBM of the vessel with additional weight will shift in the positive direction and influence neighbouring locations. The VSF indicates that placing an additional load will increase the gradient of the VSF between two neighbouring measurement points, resulting in a higher overall VSF. Therefore, the location of the additional load in the barge is different in the coupled method compared to individual traditional methods. • Optimum loading condition for a barge is investigated. • Hydroelastic analysis is utilized for the investigation. • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Method (FEM) are used. • Four optimum positions for the additional weight on the barge are obtained.