A Level Set Approach for Naval Applications

A level set approach for the numerical simulation of high Reynolds number turbulent flows with a free surface is presented. The algorithm is based on a general pseudo-compressible Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes Equations (RANSE) solver, already used in conjunction with a surface-fitting approach for the numerical simulation of steady flows past ship hulls. The RANSE solver is coupled with a non-standard level set approach, the original algorithm having been modified in order to gain increased resolution in the nearby of the free surface. To this end, only the liquid phase is simulated; the level set function is used only as a tracking device to locate the actual position of the free surface. Moreover, the solution in the air region is extrapolated in a way that ensures second order accuracy also in the free surface region. Some numerical results for the flow around a submerged profile and two ship hulls are shown.