Self-propulsion computations using a speed controller and a discretized propeller with dynamic overset grids

A method that can be used to perform self-propulsion computations of surface ships is presented. The propeller is gridded as an overset object with a rotational velocity that is imposed by a speed controller, which finds the self-propulsion point when the ship reaches the target Froude number in a single transient computation. Dynamic overset grids are used to allow different dynamic groups to move independently, including the hull and appendages, the propeller, and the background (where the far-field boundary conditions are imposed). Predicted integral quantities include propeller rotational speed, propeller forces, and ship’s attitude, along with the complete flow field. The fluid flow is solved by employing a single-phase level set approach to model the free surface, along with a blended k−ω/k−ɛ based DES model for turbulence. Three ship hulls are evaluated: the single-propeller KVLCC1 tanker appended with a rudder, the twin propeller fully appended surface combatant model DTMB 5613, and the KCS container ship without a rudder, and the results are compared with experimental data obtained at the model scale. In the case of KCS, a more complete comparison with propulsion data is performed. It is shown that direct computation of self-propelled ships is feasible, and though very resource intensive, it provides a tool for obtaining vast flow detail.     

The combined effect of rain and wind on air–water gas exchange: A feasibility study

A series of experiments were conducted at University of Delaware's Air–Sea Interaction Laboratory to examine the combined effects of rain and wind on air–water gas exchange. During this study, ASIL WRX I, a combination of 3 rain rates and 4 wind speeds were used, for a total of 12 different environmental conditions. The SF₆ evasion method was used to determine the bulk gas transfer velocities, and airside profiles of wind and CO₂ were used to estimate flux–profiles of momentum and carbon dioxide. In addition to measurements of fluxes with and without rain in a wind–wave boundary layer, measurements of wave properties were also obtained. Rain is shown to alter the wind profile in the flume, and dampen surface waves. Also, SF₆ evasion indicates that with the present experimental setup, for most of the experimental conditions, rain and wind combine linearly to influence air–water gas exchange. Flux–profile relationships for marine atmospheric boundary layers, which were performed to scale up to field measurements, were explored by a comparison between SF₆-derived bulk fluxes and airside CO₂ profile measurements.     

A real-time traffic signal control system: architecture, algorithms, and analysis

The paper discusses a real-time traffic-adaptive signal control system referred to as RHODES. The system takes as input detector data for real-time measurement of traffic flow, and “optimally” controls the flow through the network. The system utilizes a control architecture that (1) decomposes the traffic control problem into several subproblems that are interconnected in an hierarchical fashion, (2) predicts traffic flows at appropriate resolution levels (individual vehicles and platoons) to enable pro-active control, (3) allows various optimization modules for solving the hierarchical subproblems, and (4) utilizes a data structure and computer/communication approaches that allow for fast solution of the subproblems, so that each decision can be downloaded in the field appropriately within the given rolling time horizon of the corresponding subproblem. The RHODES architecture, algorithms, and its analysis are presented. Laboratory test results, based on implementation of RHODES on simulation models of actual scenarios, illustrate the effectiveness of the system.     

A comparison of user-optimum versus system-optimum traffic assignment in transportation network design

In this report, we compare the computational efficiency and results of solving two alternative models for the problem of determining improvements to an urban road network. Using a 1462 link, 584 node test network of the north Dallas area, we compare a model which assumes user-optimum behavior of travelers with a model which assumes system-optimum flows. Both of these models allow improvements to the road network to take on any nonnegative value, rather than requiring discrete improvement values. Investment costs are modeled by functions with decreasing marginal costs. Unfortunately, the user-optimum model, which is much more realistic than the system-optimum one, normally cannot be solved optimally. However, the simpler system-optimum model can be optimally solved, provided that investment costs are approximated by linear functions. Thus, for this network design problem we compare an accurate representation which can be solved only approximately with an approximate representation which can be solved optimally. Our computational testing showed that the system-optimum model produces solutions as good as those from the user-optimum model, and thus seems justified when favored by other considerations, such as ease of coding, availability of “canned” programs, etc.     

URANS simulations of catamaran interference in shallow water

This paper investigates the interference effects of wave systems on a multi-hull vessel in shallow water. A numerical analysis is made using the URANS code CFDSHIP-Iowa V.4 on the DELFT Catamaran model 372. The test matrix for numerical computations includes two separation distances (s = 0.17; 0.23) and the depth values of h/T = 8.2, 2.5 and 2, at several speeds ranging within Fr _H = 0.775–1.739. Numerical results are compared with the experimental data of the Bulgarian Ship Hydrodynamic Center, and verification and validation for resistance, sinkage and trim are also performed. Results show that, at critical speed (Fr _H ≈ 1), the presence of a finite depth significantly affects the catamaran total resistance, which, in shallower water, increases considerably with respect to deep water. At low h/T, small effects of the water depth on resistance occur at subcritical and supercritical speeds. The interference effects seem to be more relevant in shallow, rather than in deep water, with maximum IF values registered at critical speeds (Fr _H ≈ 1). Similarly to deep water, the lower the separation distance the greater the interference value. Moreover, in shallow water some negative interference is observed at Fr > 0.5. Wave patterns and wave profiles are analyzed and a comparison is made between several configurations of catamaran and a mono-hull vessel, in order to analyze how water depth and separation distance determine resistance and interference. Finally, a vortex instability study is also included.