Abstract
The paper considers explicit FE-modelling of fluid–structure interaction in hull–water impacts. To minimize the variables studied and to enable comparison with analytical methods, the problem is here idealised as a two-dimensional rigid wedge impacting on a calm water surface. A parameter study is performed, where the sensitivity in the mesh resolution and the contact parameter selection is investigated. It is concluded that a numerically stable non-leaking solution to the hull–water impact problem, with good correlation to analytical results, is achievable. It is however also concluded that application of this modelling technique can be costly and far from trivial. The solution is for example highly dependent on the relation between mesh-density and contact-stiffness. Successful modelling hence requires rational approaches for determination of fluid discretization and contact parameters. By making reference to an analytical solution of the hull–water impact problem, the results from the parameter study are generalised, and a rational approach for determination of fluid discretization and contact parameters in the modelling of arbitrary hull–water impact situations is presented. The generality of the approach is favourably demonstrated for different impact angles and velocities.