Modeling Floating Object Entry and Exit Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics

This paper investigates fluid and floating object interaction using a novel adaptation of the weakly compressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (WCSPH) method by incorporating a floating object model. In particular, this paper examines the water impact, hydrodynamic forces, fluid motions, and movement of objects in the conventional case studies of object entry and exit from still water. A two-dimensional wedge drop analysis was examined, and the hydrodynamic forces show acceptable agreement with published experimental and numerical results. The movement of the object is well predicted. The velocity field of the fluid domain is also captured. Simulations for water entry and exit of a buoyant and neutral density cylinder compares well with previous experimental, numerical, and empirical studies in penetration, free surface comparisons, and object movement. These results provide a good foundation to evaluate the accuracy and stability of WCSPH for modeling the interaction between free surface flow and free moving floating objects. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)WW.1943-5460.0000086. (C) 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.