Applied Ocean ResearchPub Date : 2026-11-01Epub Date: 2026-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2026.105315
Guang Yin, Muk Chen Ong
{"title":"Deep operator network prediction of velocity profiles in combined wave-current bottom boundary layers","authors":"Guang Yin, Muk Chen Ong","doi":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105315","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105315","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate prediction of the velocity profiles in combined wave-current bottom boundary layers is essential for offshore engineering applications. While our previous work in Yin et al. (2026) proposed data-driven methods to model the spatiotemporally varying velocity profiles, it relied on empirical mathematical expressions for both the wave and current parts. This study introduces an advanced framework that utilizes the Deep Operator Network (DeepONet) architecture to learn the operators mapping the flow parameters to the velocity profiles. A separable architecture is further used to optimize the training efficiency. Unlike traditional models, there is no need for empirical mathematical expressions or predefined profile shapes for this framework, allowing it to capture nonlinear flow features directly from data. Moreover, the DeepONet model provides a continuous spatiotemporal mapping, enabling the simultaneous prediction of velocity as a function of both vertical position and time within the wave cycle. The effectiveness of the proposed model is demonstrated through validation against experimental measurements and through inverse reconstruction of the complete velocity profiles from a single reference current velocity measurement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8261,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ocean Research","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105315"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149362824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Applied Ocean ResearchPub Date : 2026-11-01Epub Date: 2026-10-29DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2026.105318
Jiqian Zheng, Zhiting Xu, Yang Lv, Guijie Shi, Deyu Wang
{"title":"Bending response and failure mechanisms of composite sandwich panels with different cruciform stiffener configurations","authors":"Jiqian Zheng, Zhiting Xu, Yang Lv, Guijie Shi, Deyu Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105318","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105318","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cruciform stiffener intersections connect orthogonal load paths in composite sandwich decks, but their construction details can introduce competing failure mechanisms. Three-point bending tests and progressive-damage simulations were used to compare two complete manufacturing configurations, with three specimens tested for each. Configuration C used integral CFRP wrapping, whereas configuration D combined interrupted longitudinal stiffeners, interleaved ply overlaps and a secondary overlaminate. The sample mean peak loads were 57.30 kN for C and 66.86 kN for D, while the peak-load coefficient of variation increased from 7.22% to 14.38%. Their loading-interval stiffnesses were comparable. The observed failures differed: C developed a transverse fracture band in the wrapping laminate at the stiffener base, whereas D exhibited separation along the overlaminate side-wall connections. The simulations associated the major load drops with local tensile failure of the wrapping laminate in C and expanding interface degradation in D. Peak loads were reproduced more closely than peak displacements and post-peak responses; the predicted damage sequences therefore provide qualitative interpretations of the observed failures. These results identify different critical regions for the two connection constructions under quasi-static bending.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8261,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ocean Research","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105318"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149362622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Applied Ocean ResearchPub Date : 2026-11-01Epub Date: 2026-10-29DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2026.105300
Jianjun Huang, Ryan J. Lowe, Marco Ghisalberti, Jeff E. Hansen, Corrado Altomare
{"title":"Wave attenuation across modular artificial reefs: effects of reef crest width, porosity and module spacing","authors":"Jianjun Huang, Ryan J. Lowe, Marco Ghisalberti, Jeff E. Hansen, Corrado Altomare","doi":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105300","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105300","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Modular artificial reefs are increasingly used as a nature-based form of coastal protection, due to their ability to attenuate waves while providing ecosystem benefits. Compared to conventional submerged coastal structures (e.g., breakwaters), artificial reefs exhibit a wider range of length scales, porosities, and module configurations, reflecting diverse design objectives. Variations in reef geometry can substantially alter the relative importance of the hydrodynamic mechanisms governing wave attenuation; however, these geometry-dependent wave-reef interaction processes remain poorly understood. To address this, high-resolution computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling using a Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) approach was employed to investigate the hydrodynamics governing regular wave transformation across idealised cubic modular reefs, with emphasis on the mechanistic roles of reef crest width, module porosity, and module spacing. The results showed that variations in these geometric features control wave attenuation by distinct influences on wave reflection, breaking, and drag-induced dissipation. Reefs with wider crests provide larger dissipation zones than short-crested configurations. At shallow to moderate depths, lower porosity increases wave attenuation by increasing reflection and energy dissipation via breaking and drag forces. Increased module spacing reduces inter-module flow sheltering, promoting greater drag dissipation, while spacing approaching half the incident wavelength produces additional reflection due to Bragg resonance. These results informed the development of an improved predictive framework for wave transmission across modular artificial reefs under a broad range of hydrodynamic and geometric conditions. Overall, this study provides new insights into process-based controls on wave attenuation in modular artificial reef systems and develops an improved approach for evaluating wave transmission performance across diverse reef configurations, thereby supporting the effective design of artificial reefs for nature-based coastal protection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8261,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ocean Research","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105300"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149362823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Applied Ocean ResearchPub Date : 2026-11-01Epub Date: 2026-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2026.105309
Zi Ye, Adam D. Switzer, Peijun Shi, Huabin Shi
{"title":"A storm surge operational forecast framework based on publicly-released meteorological data","authors":"Zi Ye, Adam D. Switzer, Peijun Shi, Huabin Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105309","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105309","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, we aim to develop a publicly-deployable regional storm surge operational forecast framework based on limited openly-released tropical cyclone (TC) forecasts, which can be deployed in less-developed regions with restricted access to real-time high-resolution wind-field ensemble forecast products. The framework consists of data imputation, wind-field reconstruction, and hydrodynamic modules. Specifically, in the wind-field reconstruction module, a size-informed correction of the Holland wind model is proposed to improve reconstructed pressure and wind fields. The size-informed wind-model correction notably improved the accuracy of reconstructed wind fields and predicted storm surges, reducing peak wind speed errors by up to 97% and peak water level errors by up to 94% in hindcasts. The framework has been applied to practical operational forecasts of storm surge in the Pearl River Estuary during 13 TCs since 2023. In this paper, its performance in forecasting storm surge in Macau during Typhoon Talim, Super Typhoon Saola, and Super Typhoon Koinu is evaluated. In 48-, 24-, and 12-h-lead forecasts of storm surge during Talim and Koinu, the framework yielded peak water-level errors mostly below 0.35 m, with Skill values above 0.92. However, its performance degraded notably in the case of Saola as there were considerable uncertainties in TC forecasts. We further investigate the uncertainties in storm surge forecasts due to the errors in publicly-released predictions of TC track and intensity. It is shown that the timing of peak storm tide is primarily sensitive to track errors, while peak water level is sensitive to both track and intensity errors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8261,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ocean Research","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105309"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149362740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Applied Ocean ResearchPub Date : 2026-11-01Epub Date: 2026-10-29DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2026.105317
Qinghua Zhu, Shenping Hu, Jiaxin Du, Yongtao Xi, Zaili Yang
{"title":"Intelligent anti-collision in multi-vessel scenarios: a spatial DPAD decision-making model via accident data-driven","authors":"Qinghua Zhu, Shenping Hu, Jiaxin Du, Yongtao Xi, Zaili Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105317","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105317","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One of the core technologies for water transportation safety is the intelligent anti-collision technology for vessels. Although significant progress has been made in the research of intelligent anti-collision for vessels, the problem of multi-vessel adaptive anti-collision in complex waters has not been fully explored. In view of this, this paper proposes an intelligent decision-making model for multi-vessel anti-collision based on the Domain Predicted Area of Danger (DPAD). Initially, concerning the mechanisms of vessel collisions and in conjunction with the requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) regarding vessel maneuvering actions, a Predicted Collision Risk Area (PCRA) model based on DPAD is constructed. Subsequently, to address the requirements for resuming navigation post-anti-collision, a threshold for resumption evaluation based on Potential Collision Risk (PCR) is proposed. Additionally, Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Bézier curve techniques are employed to optimize the recovery navigation path schemes after anti-collision. Finally, by incorporating representative vessel collision cases, complex scenarios involving single-vessel and multi-vessel encounters are constructed to validate the intelligent anti-collision decision model based on DPAD, thereby achieving adaptive control of vessel avoidance maneuvers. The application results show that the spatial DPAD-based anti-collision decision model is reliable during multi-vessel encounters, producing avoidance outcomes that satisfy maritime safety requirements. This model provides a novel approach to intelligent vessel anti-collision by synergistically addressing adaptive anti-collision in spatial multi-vessel encounters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8261,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ocean Research","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105317"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149362825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Applied Ocean ResearchPub Date : 2026-11-01Epub Date: 2026-10-21DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2026.105306
Shuo Xu, Jiahao Xia, Teng Ma, Xuefeng Yin, Anzhou Yu, Ziqi Wang, Bo Wang, Ye Li
{"title":"Multi-model Switching sequential image stitching for ROV-based visual mapping of offshore aquaculture netting","authors":"Shuo Xu, Jiahao Xia, Teng Ma, Xuefeng Yin, Anzhou Yu, Ziqi Wang, Bo Wang, Ye Li","doi":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105306","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105306","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Image stitching can extend the limited field of view of ROV imagery and provide continuous visual records for aquaculture netting inspection. However, the repetitive, weak-texture characteristics of netting and deformations induced by water currents make it difficult for conventional stitching methods to generate complete panoramas. This paper proposes a factor graph-based sequential image stitching framework for visual mapping of aquaculture netting. Specifically, a motion prior-based image registration algorithm incorporating a planar netting model is introduced to improve the reliability of image correspondences. Furthermore, a multi-model switching framework uses the spatial distribution and tracking quality of optical-flow correspondences to trigger covariance inflation of the optical-flow constraint and introduce ORB and odometry constraints for homography estimation. The proposed framework is evaluated using simulated, controlled land-based, and sea-trial datasets. The results show robust and efficient sequential stitching in netting scenes. The resulting panoramic visual records provide a basis for ROV-assisted inspection of offshore aquaculture cages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8261,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ocean Research","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105306"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149362826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hydrodynamic transport in a human-regulated tidal flat water network of the Yellow River Delta: Hydrological connectivity enhancement and transport potential assessment","authors":"Xuhui Zhang, Liqin Zuo, Yongjun Lu, Peng Ren, Yahui Zhao, Jiadong Fu","doi":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105310","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105310","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrodynamic transport in human-regulated tidal flat water networks plays a critical role in ecological water replenishment and wetland restoration. However, the relationship between network topology and hydrodynamic response remains insufficiently understood, limiting the optimization of ecological water diversion systems. This study focused on the water network of the Yiqian’er Nature Reserve in the Yellow River Delta. A hydrological connectivity enhancement method was proposed based on the classical connectivity theory and energy dissipation equation. Subsequently, a two-dimensional hydrodynamic sediment model was combined with graph theory analysis to explore how network topology controls hydrodynamic transport during ecological water replenishment. The results indicate that triangulated channel layouts can effectively enhance the structural connectivity, while the optimal channel turning radius is positively associated with water depth and negatively associated with roughness. Simulated kinetic energy density (KED) exhibits distinct spatial heterogeneity, with high-energy regions concentrated in main transport channels and channels adjacent to the water gates. Statistical analysis demonstrates that channel participation in multiple source–outlet transport paths is strongly correlated with KED, indicating that network topology exerts a significant control on hydrodynamic transport. Based on these findings, a Transport Potential Index (<span><math><mrow><mi>T</mi><mi>P</mi><mi>I</mi></mrow></math></span>) is developed using multi-path participation, source accessibility, and path proximity as structural predictors in a random forest machine learning model, achieving an RMSE of 0.08 and an <span><math><msup><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msup></math></span> of 0.89. The proposed framework provides an efficient approach for transport potential of network structure and offers practical references for ecological water network optimization and water replenishment management in engineered coastal wetlands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8261,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ocean Research","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105310"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149362579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Applied Ocean ResearchPub Date : 2026-11-01Epub Date: 2026-10-21DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2026.105305
Constantin Schweiger, Christian Windt, Leon Vinkelau, Martin Miranda-Lange, Alexander Schendel, Stefan Schimmels, Andrea Esposito, Zihan Liu, Lorenzo Cappietti, Nils Goseberg
{"title":"Experimental performance assessment of a box-type floating breakwater with vertical and inclined taut mooring exposed to regular waves","authors":"Constantin Schweiger, Christian Windt, Leon Vinkelau, Martin Miranda-Lange, Alexander Schendel, Stefan Schimmels, Andrea Esposito, Zihan Liu, Lorenzo Cappietti, Nils Goseberg","doi":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105305","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105305","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coastal regions increasingly require adaptable protection systems due to sea-level rise and the increasing occurrence of hydrodynamic extremes. Floating breakwaters (FB) offer certain advantages over conventional structures, including reduced dependence on water depth and potential integration with wave energy converters. This study investigates the wave attenuation capacity and hydrodynamic response of a box-type FB with vertical and inclined taut moorings in an experimental test campaign in the Large Wave Current Flume GWK+. With a focus on long waves (FB breadth to wavelength ratio (<span><math><mrow><mi>B</mi><mo>/</mo><mi>L</mi></mrow></math></span>) from 0.05 to 0.16), wave reflection, transmission, energy dissipation, motion response (surge, heave, pitch), and mooring loads were analyzed. The findings reveal significant differences between the mooring configurations. The vertical mooring exhibits minimal wave attenuation capacity (<span><math><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>C</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>T</mi></mrow></msub><mo>=</mo><mn>0.84</mn><mo>±</mo><mn>0.02</mn></mrow></math></span> at <span><math><mrow><mi>B</mi><mo>/</mo><mi>L</mi><mo>=</mo><mn>0.15</mn></mrow></math></span>) due to a predominantly horizontal movement of the FB. Conversely, the inclined mooring enhances energy dissipation and wave attenuation capacity (<span><math><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>C</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>T</mi></mrow></msub><mo>=</mo><mn>0.55</mn></mrow></math></span> at <span><math><mrow><mi>B</mi><mo>/</mo><mi>L</mi><mo>=</mo><mn>0.06</mn></mrow></math></span>) due to a complex motion response leading to considerably higher mooring loads, which may limit integration with offshore wave energy converters (OWC). These results underscore the critical role of hydrodynamic response and wave attenuation in FB design, highlighting the need for further investigation into varied mooring angles. Additionally, experimental studies at a larger scale are advantageous regarding the co-use with integrated oscillating water columns, thereby optimizing FB-OWC integration for enhanced coastal resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8261,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ocean Research","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105305"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149362822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Applied Ocean ResearchPub Date : 2026-11-01Epub Date: 2026-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2026.105311
Louis Le Gué, Peter Davies, Mael Arhant, Nicolas Gayet, Wouter Verbouwe
{"title":"Basalt ropes for marine applications: Mechanical performance and seawater durability","authors":"Louis Le Gué, Peter Davies, Mael Arhant, Nicolas Gayet, Wouter Verbouwe","doi":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105311","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105311","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Synthetic ropes are widely used in the marine industry, but are known to impact the environment in various ways such as microplastics production during use. This study examines the potential of basalt ropes for use in marine applications through the investigation of a basalt braid. First, mechanical properties at both yarn and rope scales were investigated, demonstrating the material’s sensitivity to the braiding process. Alternatives to this braid were then tested: adding a coating and increasing the lay length. Adding a coating increased the strain at break, while increasing the pitch resulted in greater specific strength and specific stiffness. Finally, the durability of the reference braid was evaluated through ageing in seawater at 15 °C and 40 °C for up to 3 years. Both temperatures led to two-stage degradation: a rapid loss of strength (-30% at 15 °C, -60% at 40 °C). After 3 years at 40 °C, the loss of strength remained stable. This previously observed degradation phenomenon could be explained the corrosion of the basalt fibre surface, which then acts as a protective layer. The data obtained through this study could serve as a basis for integrating basalt ropes into marine applications where synthetic ropes cannot be used.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8261,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ocean Research","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105311"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149362741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Applied Ocean ResearchPub Date : 2026-11-01Epub Date: 2026-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2026.105314
Van-Duyen Pham, Ngoc Tu Tran
{"title":"Taper ratio effects on cavitating flow and hydrodynamics of a wedge-shaped fin","authors":"Van-Duyen Pham, Ngoc Tu Tran","doi":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105314","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apor.2026.105314","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) approach coupled with the <em>k-ε</em> turbulence model in OpenFOAM is employed to investigate the effects of taper ratio on the cavitating-flow characteristics and hydrodynamic performance of a wedge-shaped control fin. Three taper ratios (<em>λ</em> = 0.35, 0.65, 1.00) are considered over a range of angles of attack (<em>α</em> = 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°) and cavitation numbers (<em>σ</em> = 0.48, 0.66, 0.98, and 1.41). The results demonstrate that tapering significantly modifies cavity development through changes in the spanwise pressure distribution and three-dimensional flow structures. Cavity-volume analysis reveals that the influence of taper ratio depends on the cavitation regime, with strong tapering generally suppressing cavity development under moderate cavitation conditions but exhibiting a more complex response under fully developed cavitation. The high-turbulent-kinetic-energy region shifts from the tip toward the root as the taper ratio increases. Tapering also modifies vortex dynamics, producing root leading-edge vortices and tip-vortex fragmentation, in contrast to the more coherent vortical structures of the untapered fin. Decreasing the taper ratio generally reduces drag, improves the lift-to-drag ratio, and suppresses large-amplitude fluctuations in global hydrodynamic loading. These findings clarify the relationships among geometric modification, pressure redistribution, vortex dynamics, cavitation behavior, and hydrodynamic performance, providing new insight into tapered control fins operating under cavitating conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8261,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ocean Research","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 105314"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149362884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}