Prediction of ship hydroelastic behaviour using structural hybrid elements

Fully 3D structural models for ship hydroelastic analysis require more computational resources; therefore, the backbone models are widely utilised. In the present study, a hybrid configuration is employed, in which detailed 3D structural modelling is applied to the midship area while other parts are modelled as backbone elements. The hydroelasticity responses obtained from the hybrid configuration are systematically compared with those from the fully backbone model. Coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) numerical methods are utilised in both head and oblique wave conditions. A noticeable discrepancy is observed in horizontal motion due to local effects in the midship region and it is not affected significantly in global horizontal displacements. Therefore, the ship's overall behaviour regarding local motions, bending moments, and shear forces shows excellent agreement. The developed hybrid configuration in this study offers additional benefits in the detailed 3D model, including complex interactions that produce local dynamic response stress, strain, displacement, and other specific results, making it advantageous for further analysis.