CFD ANALYSIS OF FRICTIONAL DRAG REDUCTION ON THE UNDERNEATH OF SHIP’S HULL USING AIR LUBRICATION SYSTEM

Reduction of surface friction between the underneath of ship's hull surface and water surface tends to reduce the fuel consumption and attainment of higher speed in ship. Various researches and methods were going on to reduce the friction for a long time in ship building industry. Among various methods, air lubrication system is most effective and easiest to achieve higher speed with minimum consumption of fuel. Also this method reduces the environmental impacts and an economic one. The present investigation is focused on frictional drag reduction on the underneath of ship's hull by introducing air cavities. Frictional drag has been reduced and increase in speed occurs during the air lubrication. Numerical results are compared with the results obtained by without applying air lubrication system.