C. Pensa

Bio: C. Pensa is an academic researcher from University of Naples Federico II. The author has contributed to research in topics: Hull & Towing. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 15 publications receiving 165 citations.

An Extended Verification and Validation Study of CFD Simulations for Planing Hulls

Abstract: In the context of marine application of computational fluid dynamic (CFD), it is well known that the numerical simulations of planing craft are significantly less reliable than that of displacement ships. For this reason, it is important to perform a comprehensive approach to the verification and validation (V&V) methodology and procedures for simulating CFD planing craft. In the first part of this paper, an assessment of the accuracy and effectiveness of different simulation setups and techniques for planing craft is performed. In the second part, the results of the V&V study are reported for three different hull models at four Froude numbers (Fr). The Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes code results were validated using benchmark experimental data obtained for three hull models characterized by systematic variation of the length to beam ratio. Grid independence, iteration, and time-step convergence analysis for response variables (resistance coefficients, wetted surfaces, and dynamic trim angles) were conducted using the main error and uncertainty estimation methods available in the literature. The same procedures were followed for the profiles of the wave patterns. The results showed that there was improved reliability of the numerical simulation of the planing craft in terms of the errors and uncertainties, related to the predictions of resistance, running attitude, and wave pattern. The results of the V&V study highlighted the fact that modeling of the planing craft is a critical point to improve the reliability of the numerical simulation.

Flettner Rotor Concept for Marine Applications: A Systematic Study

Abstract: The concept of Flettner rotor, a rotating cylinder immersed in a fluid current, with a top-mounted disk, has been analyzed by means of unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes simulations, with the aim of creating a suitable tool for the preliminary design of the Flettner rotor as a ship’s auxiliary propulsion system. The simulation has been executed to evaluate the performance sensitivity of the Flettner rotor with respect to systematic variations of several parameters, that is, the spin ratio, the rotor aspect ratio, the effect of the end plates, and their dimensions. The Flettner rotor device has been characterized in terms of lift and drag coefficients, and these data were compared with experimental trends available in literature. A verification study has been conducted in order to evaluate the accuracy of the simulation results and the main sources of numerical uncertainty. All the simulation results were used to achieve a surrogate model of lift and drag coefficients. This model is an effective mathematical tool for the preliminary design of Flettner rotor. Finally, an example of assessment of the Flettner rotor performance as an auxiliary propulsion device on a real tanker ship is reported.

Digital Photogrammetry for Documentation of Maritime Heritage

Abstract: Documentation of maritime heritage is essential for its protection, and for reference in restoration and renovation processes. These functions become problematic in the case of historical ships and boats that lack lines drawings. The purpose of this paper is to describe a procedure for creation of lines drawings based on the shape analysis of surviving historical boats or their small-scale models with the help of reverse engineering (RE) techniques. The paper describes how digital photogrammetry and the iterative method were used to analyze the shape of three historical boats: Tomahawk, Refola and Nada. The application of the proposed procedure produced the lines drawings of the boats as its result. The accuracy of the 3D CAD model obtained with the photogrammetric technique was verified by comparing it against a more accurate 3D model produced with the help of a RE laser scanner. The examination of the resulting lines drawings proves that the digital photogrammetry process and the proposed iterative method are adequate tools for developing lines plans of boat models. The research offers the methodological basis for the creation of an archive of lines drawings of historical boats. Such an archive would provide reference for philologically correct restorations, and permit definition and classification of distinctive elements of various types of historical boats, particularly those produced in the Campania Region.

Experimental study on hydrodynamic performances of naval propellers to adopt new additive manufacturing processes

Abstract: In the past few years, a new generation of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques has rapidly become available due to the expiration of some AM patents which allowed significant cost reductions. This article explores some available techniques fostering products innovation in experimental laboratories for the development of naval propulsion, where high costs represent an important limitation for both basic research and industrial testing, by identifying significant knowledge and variables and by providing reliable and accurate data to support designers and researchers. The propeller INSEAN E779a case study was taken into account and fabricated by direct metal laser sintering in AlSi10Mg aluminium alloy and by fused deposition modeling in acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene, and UltraT polymeric materials. The study of printing parameters, flexural tests, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, allowed to optimize the printing process conditions. A reverse engineering system, Faro-CAM2, and the iterative closest point algorithm of the geomagic control software were used to analyse deviations from the printed propeller and the CAD nominal model. The atomic force microscopy test allowed to assess the morphological features and surface roughness of printed propellers. Towing Tank tests were carried out and the hydrodynamic performance comparison was analysed in terms of torque and drag. The results of this study show differences between the benchmark and AM propellers, as a function of the advance coefficient J, the morphological characteristics and the materials. However this study also shows a substantial adequacy of AM propellers in most studies carried out in Towing Tank.

A systematic study of the rough water performance of planing boats. Part II: Irregular waves

Abstract: Abstract : A series of constant-deadrise models, varying in length, was tested in smooth water and regular waves to define the effects of deadrise, trim, loading, speed, length-beam ratio, and wave proportions on the added resistance, on heave and pitch motions, and on impact accelerations at the bow and center of gravity. Each of these parameters was varied independently of the others so as to obtain a proper evaluation of the effects of changing a single quantity. The results, presented in the form of response characteristics, cover a wide range of operating conditions; and show, quantitatively, the importance of design parameters on the rough-water performance of planing hulls.

Verification and validation of URANS simulations of the turbulent cavitating flow around the hydrofoil

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the verification and validation (V&V) procedures for the URANS simulations of the turbulent cavitating flow around a Clark-Y hydrofoil. The main focus is on the feasibility of various Richardson extrapolation-based uncertainty estimators in the cavitating flow simulation. The unsteady cavitating flow is simulated by a density corrected model (DCM) coupled with the Zwart cavitation model. The estimated uncertainty is used to evaluate the applicability of various uncertainty estimation methods for the cavitating flow simulation. It is shown that the preferred uncertainty estimators include the modified Factor of Safety (FS1), the Factor of Safety (FS) and the Grid Convergence Index (GCI). The distribution of the area without achieving the validation at the Vv level shows a strong relationship with the cavitation. Further analysis indicates that the predicted velocity distributions, the transient cavitation patterns and the effects of the vortex stretching are highly influenced by the mesh resolution.

Effect of support on printed properties in fused deposition modelling processes

Abstract: Additive manufacturing still suffers from redundant support material usage when printing parts with overhanging features. All the supports will be removed after fabrication, resulting in wasted mat...