Hydrodynamic performance study of two side-by-side barges

Recently, hydrodynamic interaction between two vessels in a side-by-side configuration has become a research focus. Because of the interaction of multiple bodies, the fluid movement and responses of the vessels are complex. First, the hydrodynamic performances of two identical barges in close proximity in a side-by-side configuration are numerically investigated with a wave elevation in between the barges. Second, corresponding experiments are carried out to validate the numerical results, and comparison of the experimental and calculation results shows that the numerical calculation accurately predicts the resonance period despite a difference in the peak values. Both fixed barges and barges undergoing constrained motions are also compared with free-floating barges to illustrate the influence of motion on the wave elevation and resonance phenomena. Sensitivity analyses of the gap width, barge length, barge breadth, and draft are performed, revealing that the resonant wavelength increases with increasing gap width or barge dimensions.