An inverse design approach in determining the optimal shape of bulbous bow with experimental verification

An inverse design algorithm in determining the optimal shape of the bulbous bow was developed by utilizing the Levenberg-Marquardt method (LMM) and B-spline surface control technique and basing it on a given design target, such as the desired wave height or wave resistance coefficient. A Wu-Chiang ferry used for domestic traffic in Taiwan was selected as the example ship for this study. Two different design objects, the bow wave profile and wave-making resistance, were considered the target functions. To verify the inverse design algorithm, towing tests were performed for two ship models: the original hull and the hull with optimal bulbous bow. Test results showed that the optimal bulbous bow designed by inverse algorithm improves the ship performance as expected.