Explicit FE-modelling of hydroelasticity in panel-water impacts

Abstract

This paper considers modelling of hydroelasticity in water impacts of ship-hull bottom-panels by use of explicit finite element methods. The finite element analysis is based on a multi-material arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation and a penalty contact algorithm. This modelling technique enables the modelling of the instantaneous fluid-structure interaction. The FE-modelling of elastic panel-water impacts is evaluated by a convergence study and by comparison with experiments. Hydroelastic effects on the panel response are systematically studied for different impact velocities, boundary conditions and structural mass. It is concluded that hydroelastic effects can result in a significant reduction of the structural response for certain combinations of panel deadrise, impact velocity and boundary conditions. Inertia effects are shown to be dominated by added water mass. The present study is compared with other published work concerning hydroelasticity in panel-water impacts.