Research on Hydrodynamic Characteristics and Drag Reduction Optimization of Drillships with Moonpools

This paper analyzes the influence of moonpools on the hydrodynamic performance of drillships using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method. A three-dimensional numerical wave tank is established to realize regular waves and to perform prediction and validation of the KCS ship’s performance in calm water and head seas. After selecting optimal moonpool configurations under calm conditions, seakeeping analyses for a rectangular-moonpool drillship in waves and drag-reduction optimization in calm water and head seas are conducted. The comparative analysis shows that in calm-water navigation, different moonpool shapes lead to different added-resistance effects, and the drillship with a rectangular moonpool shows overall better performance in resistance and running attitude; the added resistance due to the moonpool mainly originates from the additional residual resistance. The sustained energy supply to the clockwise vortex within the moonpool is maintained by the continuous mass exchange between the water flow beneath the ship’s bottom and the water inside the moonpool. Under regular waves, the presence of a moonpool leads to an increase in the total resistance experienced by the drillship. A flange device can effectively reduce the mean amplitude of waves inside the moonpool, and when the flange is installed 10 mm above the still water level with a length of 120 mm, its drag-reduction effect is better. The flange structure can effectively improve the hydrodynamic characteristics of the drillship in waves. The numerical conclusions provide a reference value for the engineering application of drillships with moonpool structures.