CFD analysis and maneuvering simulation of multi-connected pusher-barge system

Abstract

To reduce CO₂ emissions and alleviate labor shortage in the field of transportation, the modal shift should be further promoted by developing a new-type coastal ship. We have studied a multi-connected pusher-barge system (P/B) as one of the promising means of transportation. This P/B system was designed to connect at most three barges to a pusher in the longitudinal direction and to apply the operational flexibility of traditional inland P/B convoys to coastal shipping routes. The berthing time can be saved by enabling barges to join or leave the system at sea. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were utilized to analyze maneuvering hydrodynamic forces and visualize flow fields (velocity and pressure) across different loading conditions. Based on these hydrodynamic analyses, turning and zigzag maneuvers were simulated using a mathematical model. The findings demonstrate that the system’s maneuverability is highly sensitive to the loading conditions of the barges.