Verification and validation for RANS simulation of a naval surface combatant

The objectives of the present paper are: (i) to provide detailed documentation of levels of V&V for RANS simulation of a naval surface combatant in support of CFD code certification; (ii) to compare correction factor and factor of safety multiple-grid verification procedures; and (in) to develop procedures and tools for efficient generation of multiple solutions and grids, all in support of establishing standards for V&V of CFD simulations. A recently developed comprehensive V&V approach developed by the present authors and colleagues is followed and extended for comparisons of verification procedures and practical application for DTMB model ship 5415, which is an established CFD validation benchmark for ship hydrodynamics. Correction factors provide better error and uncertainty estimates than factor of safety, which is shown to be over conservative when solutions are close to the asymptotic range and under conservative when solutions are far from the asymptotic range. The levels of V&V are established and provide confidence in recommendations for appropriate use of the CFD code and numerical and modeling improvements for reduced levels of V&V. Presumably, a sufficient number of documented solutions will provide a basis for CFD code certification within a specified range of applications.