Fully Coupled Simulation of a WASP in Wind and Waves Enabled by Generative AI for the Ocean Environment

Overview

This technical paper presents a fully coupled simulation framework for analysing wind-assisted ship propulsion systems operating in realistic wind and wave environments. The approach combines high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics with a generative AI model for ocean environment synthesis.

The methodology enables the evaluation of Flettner rotor performance under coupled aerodynamic, hydrodynamic and motion effects that cannot be captured using steady or simplified simulation approaches.

Abstract

The integration of wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) technologies into commercial fleets requires reliable tools to evaluate performance in realistic seaway conditions. Traditionally, coupled simulations of ships, appendages, and wind propulsion devices have been limited either by overly simplified models or by the high computational cost of fully resolved fluid–structure interaction simulations. In this work, we present a novel framework that combines high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics with a generative AI model for the ocean environment to enable fully coupled simulations of a WASP-equipped vessel operating in wind and waves.

What This Paper Covers

• Fully coupled CFD simulation of wind-assisted ship propulsion
• Flettner rotor aerodynamics in wind and waves
• Six-degree-of-freedom ship motion modelling
• Generative AI for realistic ocean environment synthesis
• Limitations of steady and flat-water performance assumptions