3-D trajectory analysis of wave-impact sea spray over a marine vessel

Limited data is available about distributions of size, velocity and the probability of the existence of droplets impinging on cold marine vessel surfaces. Droplet sizes and velocities determine the flow rate of sea water impinging on freezing surfaces on marine vessels. This study develops a new three-dimensional model, employing the characteristic size-velocity dependence of droplets, to calculate droplet trajectories over a Medium-sized Fishing Vessel (MFV). The trajectory model employs the wind and vessel velocities and calculates forces exerted on droplets to determine their paths over the vessel. Results show that the top of a spray cloud forms a concave surface between the foremast and the front side of the superstructure. As spray travels over the deck, larger droplets fall on the deck or return to the sea and smaller droplets become aligned with the wind. The maximum height of the spray cloud, wet heights of the foremast and wet heights of the front side of the superstructure are compared to previous data in the literature, which are in good agreement with field observations and past numerical solutions.