Effect of a Bulbous Bow upon the Resistance of Ships with Small Length-Beam Ratio and Large Block Coefficient

Abstract

In case of oil tankers with large C_B and small L/B value, the action of large bulbous bow in contributing to reduction of hull resistance is considered to be somewhat different from the case of high-speed, small C_B vessels. Authors examined the results of model experiments in towing tank and in wind tunnel, and results of trial runs of actual ships on large tankers, which were all conducted by Hitachi Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., Ltd., and besides, give some theoretical considerations on them. Consequently, the reasons why a large bulbous bow contributes to reduction of hull resistance were explained, and a guide to design of the bulbous bow was given for large oil tankers.