Comprehensive Software Package for Computational Marine Hydrodynamics

Our research and consultancy capabilities are underpinned by a robust and diverse portfolio of state-of-the-art engineering software. These tools allow us to conduct accurate simulations, optimise marine systems, and validate performance in silico before prototyping or deployment:

• Star-CCM+
  A leading CFD platform that enables simulation of complex physics including turbulent, multiphase, and reacting flows. Star-CCM+ is instrumental in predicting flow patterns, resistance, wake structures, and thermal management in marine systems. It also supports automation and parametric studies for design optimisation.

• Fine™/Marine
  A specialized CFD suite developed for marine applications. It provides high-fidelity simulation capabilities for resistance, propulsion, seakeeping, manoeuvring, and dynamic stability. Fine™/Marine is used extensively for hull form optimisation, propeller–hull interaction studies, and advanced performance prediction in realistic sea states.

• Sesam (DNV)
  Industry-standard software for structural integrity assessment of offshore and ship structures. It supports linear and nonlinear FEM analyses, fatigue assessment, and code compliance checks. Sesam is essential for ensuring structural safety under hydrodynamic loads, wave actions, and operational conditions.

• Orcaflex
  Advanced dynamic analysis software for offshore marine systems. It models flexible risers, mooring lines, umbilicals, and floating platforms under wave, wind, and current loads. Orcaflex is widely used in deepwater and renewable energy sectors for installation analysis, VIV prediction, and fatigue life estimation.

• NavCAD / PropCAD (HydroComp)
  NavCAD provides system-level performance prediction for ship propulsion systems. It supports propeller sizing, hull–propeller matching, and cavitation analysis. PropCAD is used for detailed geometric design of propellers, supporting custom blade profiling and manufacturability considerations.

• Ansys Multiphysics
  A powerful simulation suite for coupled physics problems. In marine applications, Ansys is used for structural analysis (FEA), thermal evaluation, and fluid–structure interaction (FSI), including wave loading on structures and vibration analysis for noise prediction and fatigue.

• Maxsurf (Bentley Systems)
  A suite for naval architecture and marine structural design. It includes tools for hull modelling, stability analysis, resistance prediction, seakeeping, and structural load assessment. Maxsurf is used in early-stage design to refine hull geometry and assess compliance with IMO stability requirements.

• SolidWorks
  A versatile 3D CAD package used for the detailed design of mechanical systems and marine components. SolidWorks supports design automation, assembly modelling, and structural simulations, streamlining the transition from concept to fabrication.

High-Performance Computing Resources – Rocket

Our computational research is powered by the university owned and operated Rocket high-performance computing (HPC) cluster, featuring a diverse and scalable architecture:

• 110 Standard Nodes
  Each equipped with:

  • 2 × Intel Xeon E5-2699 v4 processors (2.2 GHz, 22 cores, 55 MB cache)

  • Total of 44 cores per node

  • 4840 cores in total across all standard nodes

Additional specialized nodes include:

• 6 Medium (M) nodes

• 4 Large (L) nodes

• 2 Extra-Large (XL) nodes

• 1 GPU node

This infrastructure enables large-scale simulations and high-fidelity modeling across various disciplines, including marine hydrodynamics, structural analysis, and fluid-structure interaction.