Open Access

ARTICLE

Numerical Investigation of Wind Resistance in Inland River Low-Emission Ships

Guang Chen¹, Shiwang Dang¹, Fanpeng Kong², Lingchong Hu¹, Zhiming Zhang¹, Yi Guo³, Xue Pei¹, Jichao Li^1,4,*

1 School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Jining University, Qufu, 273155, China
2 Wuhan University of Technology Ship Cruise Center, Wuhan, 430063, China
3 Guangzhou Haige Communications Group Incorporated Company, Guangzhou, 510663, China
4 Shandong Xinneng Ship Technology Co., Jining, 277605, China

* Corresponding Author: Jichao Li. Email:

Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing 2025, 21(11), 2721-2740. https://doi.org/10.32604/fdmp.2025.068889

Received 09 June 2025; Accepted 28 September 2025; Issue published 01 December 2025

Abstract

To enhance the navigation efficiency of inland new-energy ships and reduce energy consumption and emissions, this study investigates wind load coefficients under 13 conditions, combining a wind speed of 2.0 m/s with wind direction angles ranging from 0° to 180° in 15° increments. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, the wind load is decomposed into along-course (C_X) and transverse (C_Y) components, and their variation with wind direction is systematically analyzed. Results show that C_X is maximal under headwind (0°), decreases approximately following a cosine trend, and reaches its most negative value under tailwind (180°). C_Y peaks at crosswind (90°) and exhibits an overall sinusoidal distribution. Certain wind directions produce a compound effect on the hull, particularly when the crosswind angle approaches 90°. Flow analysis reveals that wind generates a high-pressure zone on the windward side and a low-pressure vortex region on the leeward side, inducing unstable forces and increasing energy consumption. Based on the wind pressure distribution, a targeted structural optimization is proposed to mitigate high-pressure resistance. These findings provide a theoretical basis for hull form optimization and energy-efficient ship design.

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Keywords

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