Flow field characteristics of a two-dimensional moonpool under uniform flow conditions

Moonpools are holes in the middle of a ship's hull and through its deck. In this study, the flow mechanisms in moonpools in calm water were investigated. Star-CCM+ software was used to calculate the flow within a two-dimensional (2D) moonpool under uniform flow conditions. A 2D moonpool numerical calculation model was constructed, and the convergence analysis results and experimental data were used to verify the accuracy of the calculated results. Flow field and free surface fluctuations are the main factors that cause the drag force of the moonpool. The drag force increases with the flow velocity, and the drag coefficient presents different trends at different stages. With an increase in the Froude number, Fr, the 2D moonpool enters the frequency lock-in state of the piston and sloshing natural frequency. Additionally, increasing the moonpool length results in a nonlinear change in the flow state.