Studies of the wave interference and the wave-less vessel design When a floating body traverses the free surface at a uniform velocity, it produces a distinctive wave pattern, termed the Kelvin wave pattern. By fixing a coordinate system to the moving body, this wave pattern becomes time-invariant. This assumption brings a question: What phenomena ensue when multiple bodies navigate at identical velocities? The hypothesis underpinning this study posits that the steady waves, generated individually, might culminate in a consistent wave interference pattern, be it constructive or destructive. It is anticipated that destructive wave interference would partially neutralise the waves, thereby minimising the so-called wave-making resistance of the multi-body system, and in the case of constructive interference. This study aims to delineate preliminary findings on wave patterns and wave-making resistance encountered by multiple floating bodies in varied configurations. Emphasis will be placed on examining floating bodies arranged in triangular and diamond formations. The objective of this research is to ensure configurations which result in the lowest possible wave-making resistance, thereby significantly advancing the development of a concept for a waveless vessel. In previous research, the positions of the side bodies were determined using a self-developed code based on three-dimensional potential flow theory, and these findings were validated through CFD simulations. The results demonstrated a significant drag reduction effect (CDR=65%), along with a marked decrease in water surface elevation caused by ship-making waves. In future research, the concept of bubble drag reduction will be introduced and its impact on reducing ship resistance will be jointly verified through experiments and CFD simulations based on Star-CCM+. This approach will also explore its application in the design of wave-less vessels to further refine drag optimization. For more information about the project contact Dr Zhimming Yuan (zhimming.yuan), Reader at the Department of Naval Architecture, Marine and Ocean Engineering at the University of Strathclyde or Boyu Liao (boyu.liao.2021@uni.strath.ac.uk.), PhD candidate at the Department of Naval Architecture, Marine and Ocean Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. For a list of the research areas in which ARCHIE-WeSt users are active please click here.