Numerical simulation of ship berthing load based on CFD and collision model

Objectives The ship berthing process constitutes a complex fluid-structure interaction system, in which excessive collision loads may lead to hull damage or even capsizing. To ensure operational safety during berthing, it is particularly important to investigate the collision loads under side-berthing and stern-berthing conditions. Methods Given the high cost associated with physical model tests, a numerical model based on OpenFOAM and LS-DYNA is developed to predict collision loads during ship berthing. Environmental loads induced by wind, waves, and currents are first predicted using the in-house solver naoe-FOAM-SJTU, developed on the OpenFOAM platform. The resulting environmental load data are subsequently imposed as initial input conditions into a finite element model established in LS-DYNA, enabling the assessment of collision loads between the ship hull and the berthing structure. Results Validation is conducted using experimental data provided by the China Ship Scientific Research Center (CSSRC), based on a specific special-purpose vessel. The numerical simulations show good agreement with the experimental measurements across different berthing velocities, with most errors remaining within 10%, thereby effectively verifying the reliability of the proposed numerical prediction model. Conclusions Furthermore, the influence of various factors—such as berthing angle, ship speed, wave height, and wave direction—on the collision response is systematically analyzed. The study offers theoretical insights and practical guidance for safe ship berthing operations under complex environmental conditions.