NURBS-based parametric optimization and design of bulbous bow

The well-designed bulbous configuration influences making-waves created by ship, which can be utilized to improve the resistance performance of whole ship, thus the configuration parameters should be optimized. In this research, the data-point mesh generation and control-point calculation of parent-bulb configuration were carried out on the basis of the bulb parametric description and B-spline theory. According to the needs of the optimization, control points were improved to produce a preferable bulb. Next, CFD software was utilized to simulate and calculate models to directly compare the resistance and waveform of the parent-ship to embody the parametric resistance characteristics shown by the orthocenter in the optimization results. The results show that, with the help of B-spline to effectively present the parametric optimization characteristic, the method obtains a vivid and visual pattern, and the efficiency of bow configuration description and optimization is clearly improved. The method simplifies processes of optimization, and the expected goal of resistance reducing has been achieved.