A Thematic Network in Computational Fluid Dynamics for the Marine I ndustry

Objective

This proposal concerns the implementation of a Thematic Network in Marine Applications of Computational Fluid Dynamics. Known as MARNET-CFD. The proposals have been prepared jointly by WS Atkins Science & Technology (GB) and SIREHNA (FR) as part of an exploratory phase for such a network aimed at establishing its potential size, structure, activities and overall feasibility. The exploratory phase has established that there is a wide consensus in the European Shipbuilding Industry in favour of establishing such a Thematic Network. Opinions were sought both through a widely disseminated questionnaire and by stimulating discussion with an outline proposal for such a Network. The latter was followed up by direct contact with organizations expressing an interest in joining such a Thematic Network on its Implementation. The result of these activities is a potentially large Thematic Network of over 34 organisations including shipbuilders. Classification Societies, Towing Tanks and Research Institutes, and Universities. The intention is that further growth in the Network will also be pursued. The key issues to be addressed are those of validation, the development of general application guidelines, the stimulation of research through the setting of Grand Challenge Problems' by the Industry, and the wider implementation of CFD throughout the marine industry. To meet this challenge, the Network would organise its activities around 6 technical areas, namely; steady ship flows, unsteady ship flows, propulsors, offshore engineering, marine aerodynamics and ship and offshore safety. Certain of these are already quite mature areas in terms of technical development, whereas others are yet to benefit fully, and are open to technology transfer and the sharing of know-how.

In response to the demands of the Industry, the network will establish a validation database, and a set of grand challenge problems in each of these technical areas. Documented guidelines and standards for the application of CFD in the marine industry will also be developed and disseminated. An Internet Web site for the use of members of the network will be established and maintained, to allow both access to these databases, and as the main means of communication, supplementing a MARNET Quarterly Newsletter. A regular large scale workshop will be established, and numerous other collaborations stimulated in each of the technical groups, which will lead to further research and strong, well thought-out proposal for the Fifth Framework Programme starting in 1998. The MARNET-CFD Thematic Network will provide the European Shipbuilding Industry considerable benefits in terms of the exploitation of concurrent CAD/CFD, and enhance greatly its competitiveness in relation to the other large shipbuilding centres in the USA and the Far East.

Programme(s)

• FP4-BRITE/EURAM 3 - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of industrial and materials technologies, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 030201 - Design of vehicles and systems integration

Coordinator

Participants (35)