Postgraduate Diploma in Ship Resistance and Propulsion via Applied CFD
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Ship Resistance and Propulsion via Applied CFD. 8 modules covering ITTC 7.5-03-01-01 (uncertainty in CFD verification and validation), ASME V&V 20 (verification and validation in CFD and heat transfer) and Simcenter STAR-CCM+. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the components of ship resistance to forward motion.
Formulate the hydrodynamic problem with appropriate turbulence models.
Generate quality meshes for hulls and appendages.
Simulate resistance with a free surface.
Model propulsion using an actuator disc and a resolved propeller.
Verify and validate results according to ITTC procedures.
Optimise hull forms with the support of CFD simulation.
Who it's for
- Naval hydrodynamics engineer who wants to specialise in Ship Resistance and Propulsion via Applied CFD.
- CFD specialist who wants to specialise in Ship Resistance and Propulsion via Applied CFD.
- Hull form design engineer who wants to specialise in Ship Resistance and Propulsion via Applied CFD.
- Propulsion engineer who wants to specialise in Ship Resistance and Propulsion via Applied CFD.
- Towing tank researcher who wants to specialise in Ship Resistance and Propulsion via Applied CFD.
- Ship energy efficiency engineer who wants to specialise in Ship Resistance and Propulsion via Applied CFD.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter shipbuilding.
What you'll work with
- ITTC 7.5-03-01-01 (uncertainty in CFD verification and validation)
- ASME V&V 20 (verification and validation in CFD and heat transfer)
- ITTC 7.5-02-02-01 (resistance tests in towing tank)
- ITTC 7.5-02-03-01.4 (1978 extrapolation method)
- ISO 15016 (analysis of speed and power trials)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Components of ship resistance to forward motion1.2Frictional and form resistance1.3Wave-making resistance1.4Viscous pressure resistance1.5Hull–propeller interaction1.6Propulsive coefficients1.7Empirical methods: Holtrop-Mennen1.8Role of CFD compared with tank tests1.9Validation and certification of results1.10Case study: empirical power estimation for a tanker
2.1Navier-Stokes equations2.2Finite volume method2.3Spatial and temporal discretisation2.4Pressure-velocity coupling2.5RANS turbulence models: k-ω SST2.6LES and DES models2.7Free-surface treatment: VOF2.8Boundary conditions2.9Convergence and stability2.10Laboratory: flat plate simulation in OpenFOAM
3.1Hull geometry and CAD preparation3.2Structured and unstructured meshes3.3Hexahedral and polyhedral meshes3.4Prism layers and y+ value3.5Free-surface refinement3.6Overset meshes3.7Deformable meshes and motion3.8Mesh quality3.9Tools: STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM and NUMECA3.10Workshop: meshing the KCS hull
4.1Virtual towing test4.2Dynamic trim and sinkage4.3Wave pattern and free-surface elevation4.4Resistance in shallow water4.5Full-scale versus model-scale simulation4.6Hull roughness in CFD4.7Hull form optimisation4.8Bow and stern bulbs4.9Appendage effects4.10Practical: KCS hull resistance versus experimental data
5.1Open-water propeller by CFD5.2Actuator disc and body force models5.3Discretised propeller with rotating mesh5.4Virtual self-propulsion5.5Wake and suction factors5.6Cavitation with transport models5.7Energy-saving devices in CFD5.8Rudder and its interaction5.9Simulation of pods and azimuthing thrusters5.10Laboratory: KCS self-propulsion with an actuator disc
6.1ITTC recommendations for CFD6.2Mesh convergence studies6.3Numerical uncertainty estimation6.4Validation against towing tank data6.5Reference cases: KCS, KVLCC2 and DTMB 54156.6Tokyo and Gothenburg workshops6.7Correlation with sea trials6.8Reporting results and their uncertainty6.9Good documentation practice6.10Case study: uncertainty analysis of the KVLCC2
7.1Simulation-based hull form optimisation7.2Hull parametrisation7.3Surrogate models and design of experiments7.4Multi-objective optimisation7.5High-performance computing7.6Cloud CFD7.7Use of CFD for EEDI and EEXI7.8Machine learning applied to CFD7.9Workflow automation7.10Practical: parametric optimisation of a bulbous bow
8.1Vessel definition and objectives8.2Geometry preparation8.3Mesh generation8.4Resistance simulation8.5Propulsion simulation8.6Verification and validation8.7Improvement proposals8.8Power prediction8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The software used is Simcenter STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, NUMECA FINE/Marine, ParaView, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures from hydrodynamic towing tanks, speed and power sea trials, and mesh independence studies. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the components of ship resistance to forward motion.
Formulate the hydrodynamic problem with appropriate turbulence models.
Generate quality meshes for hulls and appendages.
Simulate resistance with a free surface.
Model propulsion using an actuator disc and a resolved propeller.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses Simcenter STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, NUMECA FINE/Marine and ParaView. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Spanish Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in Sensor Technology, Edge and Health Monitoring
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Sensor Technology, Edge and Health Monitoring. 8 modules covering ISO 17359 (condition monitoring: general guidelines), ISO 13374 (processing and presentation of…
Postgraduate Diploma in Luxury User Experience and Ergonomics
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in User Experience and Luxury Ergonomics. 8 modules covering ISO 9241-210 (human-centred design), ISO 6954 (vibration and habitability on ships) and Rhinoceros…
Postgraduate Diploma in Pollution Prevention and Waste Management
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Pollution Prevention and Waste Management. 8 modules covering the MARPOL 73/78 Convention and its Annexes I to VI, the BWM Convention…
More in Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical
All Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships