An algorithm for 3-dimensional free-surface problems in hydrodynamics (Q1117778)

A numerical algorithm is presented for the solution of 3-dimensional problems involving a fluid with a free surface. The fluid is assumed to be ideal, and the exact non-linear boundary conditions are applied on the fluid surface. The problem is formulated in terms of a singular integral equation, which is discretized and the resulting algebraic equations solved by a Newton process. Advantage is taken of the structure of the free-surface conditions, enabling a substantial reduction in the number of unknowns to be determined. Some sample computational results are presented, and compared with the predictions of linearized theory.