Abstract
The wake characteristics behind a transom stern vessel play a crucial role in determining its hydrodynamic performance, resistance, and environmental impact. This hydrodynamic phenomenon involves violent wave breaking, posing significant challenges for experimental analysis. In this study, we explore the complex wake dynamics behind a transom stern vessel using high-fidelity three-dimensional numerical simulations. A sharp volume of fluid method is employed to capture the gas–liquid interface, while the immersed boundary method is applied to simulate the ship hull boundaries. A distinct advantage of the present simulation is the capability to conduct quantitative analysis within the turbulent two-phase mixing region characterized by significant air entrainment, which is difficult for traditional experimental and theoretical approaches. The research focuses on the interaction between free surface dynamics, air entrainment and turbulent vortex structures, which collectively shape the wake region. The main flow features of wakes, including wave patterns across various Froude numbers, air entrainment and the evolution of bubbly wakes, are investigated. Furthermore, the correlation between turbulent vortex structures and violent interface breaking is examined.