Numerical Analysis of Resistance Acting on Sea-Going Pusher and Barge System

Abstract

Because a pusher and barge system  (P/B) can be divided into a pusher and a  barge(s),  the pusher does not need to wait for the completion of loading/unloading,  and it can start the next voyage soon after arriving.  Therefore,  a good transportation efficiency can be expected.  In these days,  a  P/B is also available to a sea-going service by developing a  mechanical connection  which enabled  a  P/B  to achieve  the  seaworthy performance  in  waves. However, there is a concern that the navigation speed is usually less than same-size cargo ships.  It  may be due to  significant vortices generated in  the  gap at the  connection,  but the mechanism is still unclear.  From this viewpoint,  in  this  study, CFD  analysis was carried  out to investigate the resistance performance associating with the flow and pressure fields around the pusher and barge,  especially with  focus on the gap between them.  We discussed the unique change of the resistance characteristic depending on the barge load conditions.