CFD and hydrodynamics for ships – from hull optimization to aerodynamics
Elomatic Marine uses CFD to optimize ship hull resistance, propulsion, aerodynamics, and air lubrication — for newbuilds and retrofits.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) lets you test and compare design decisions before building anything. Whether you are optimizing a hull form for a newbuild, evaluating a retrofit modification, or analyzing smoke dispersion on a passenger vessel, CFD gives you accurate, simulation-based answers faster and at lower cost than physical model testing.
We use CFD across the full range of marine hydrodynamics and aerodynamics challenges, working with shipyards and shipowners at every stage from early concept to final design validation.
Key Takeaways
- CFD simulation reduces the need for physical model tests by letting you compare design alternatives early in the project.
- Our CFD services cover hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, air lubrication, propulsion performance, and safety-related flow analysis.
- We support both newbuilds and retrofit projects across all vessel types.
- Our tools include STAR-CCM+ and FINFLO, applied with over 40 years of marine industry experience.
Hydrodynamics and hull performance
Do you need to reduce fuel consumption, improve propulsion efficiency, or evaluate a hull modification? We use CFD to analyze and optimize the hydrodynamic performance of vessels at every design stage.
Our hydrodynamics work covers:
- Hull resistance optimization, including bulbous bow analysis and ducktail and interceptor evaluation
- Propulsion performance – propellers, rudders, and appendages
- Air lubrication system optimization and validation
- Fin stabilizer, bilge keel, and alignment impact analysis
- Elogrid™ tunnel thruster evaluations for resistance and side thrust performance
- Maneuverability and seakeeping assessments
For retrofits, CFD makes it straightforward to compare modification alternatives and identify the most effective solution before committing to physical changes. At the concept design stage, we also use CFD to compare hull form alternatives and assess operability early, before detailed engineering begins.
Aerodynamics, safety, and comfort
Wind tunnel testing at model scale can be replaced by full-scale CFD simulations, giving you more accurate data and better solutions for superstructure design. We use aerodynamic simulations for both newbuilds and retrofit projects.
Our aerodynamics CFD services include:
- Wind force and moment coefficients for thrust capacity and wind limit assessment
- Exhaust gas and smoke dispersion analysis to keep concentrations within safe limits at outer decks
- Helideck wind condition analysis
- LNG bunkering leak scenario simulations
- Wind comfort and safety assessment at passenger s
- Gas leak scenario simulations for other alternative fuels (ammonia, methanol, hydrogen)
When do you need physical model tests?
CFD does not replace model testing entirely, but it significantly reduces how many physical model tests you need to perform. When you use CFD from the concept stage, physical model tests are typically only needed for the final design. This shortens the development timeline and reduces overall project cost.
Frequently asked questions
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a simulation method that calculates how fluids and gases, water and air, interact with a vessel’s hull and superstructure. In ship design, it is used to optimize resistance, propulsion, aerodynamics, and safety-related flow behavior. CFD allows engineers to evaluate multiple design options quickly without building physical prototypes.
CFD is equally valuable for retrofits. We regularly use it to assess the impact of hull modifications, appendage changes, air lubrication installations, and superstructure modifications on existing vessels. For retrofits, accurate 3D geometry, often obtained through laser scanning, is used as the starting point for simulations.
Modern CFD tools, when applied by experienced engineers, produce results that are close enough to model test data to drive confident design decisions. For the final design, physical model tests are still recommended for validation. Used together, CFD and model testing give the best combination of speed, cost-efficiency, and accuracy.
We use STAR-CCM+ and FINFLOamong many others for our marine CFD work, supported by NAPA and other naval architecture tools. The choice of tool depends on the type of analysis: hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, or coupled simulations.
This depends on the complexity of the analysis. A focused resistance or aerodynamics study for a retrofit evaluation can take a few weeks. A full hydrodynamic optimization covering multiple hull alternatives at the concept design stage typically runs over several months. We can discuss timeline expectations for your specific project.
Ready to improve your vessel’s performance?
Tell us what you are working on, and we will outline what CFD analysis can tell you.
