Project Requirements Summary
Based on your description, your simulation needs include:
- Non-linear wave behavior (legs can be 50% to nearly 100% submerged)
- Realistic visualization for understanding failure modes
- Acceleration and movement measurements at different points
- GPU acceleration support (you have a powerful GPU)
- High engineering accuracy
- Free/open-source software
- Linux/Windows compatibility
- Python integration (for Claude Code/Cursor.ai assistance)
Software Comparison
DualSPHysics
GPU-accelerated
SPH Method
Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics solver optimized for GPUs.
Estimated setup time: 2-4 weeks
Pros:
- Excellent for non-linear wave interactions
- GPU acceleration for fast simulations
- Good for large wave amplitudes
- Open-source and actively developed
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Less mature than some alternatives
- Primarily command-line focused
OpenFOAM
Industry Standard
Finite Volume
Advanced CFD toolbox with multiphase flow capabilities.
Estimated setup time: 4-8 weeks
Pros:
- Extremely accurate results
- Industry standard for marine CFD
- Excellent for complex geometries
- Large community and resources
Cons:
- Very steep learning curve
- Long simulation times
- Complex setup for moving bodies
- Requires significant computational resources
Capytaine + MoorDyn
Python-based
BEM + Mooring
Boundary Element Method solver with mooring dynamics.
Estimated setup time: 1-2 weeks
Pros:
- Python-based (easy with Claude Code)
- Relatively quick to learn
- Good for initial design validation
- Integrated mooring analysis
Cons:
- BEM limitations for large motions
- Less accurate for non-linear waves
- Limited visualization capabilities
Project Chrono::FSI
Multiphysics
SPH Option
Multibody dynamics with fluid-structure interaction.
Estimated setup time: 3-5 weeks
Pros:
- FSI-SPH handles large motions well
- Good visualization tools
- Multibody dynamics for complex structures
- Can add stabilizers later
Cons:
- More complex than pure CFD
- SPH can be computationally expensive
- C++ based (harder with Claude Code)
Comparison Table
| Software |
Method |
GPU Support |
Python API |
Learning Curve |
Visualization |
Non-linear Waves |
| DualSPHysics |
SPH |
Excellent |
Limited |
Medium-High |
Good |
Excellent |
| OpenFOAM |
Finite Volume |
Good |
PyFOAM/API |
High |
Good (Paraview) |
Excellent |
| Capytaine+MoorDyn |
BEM + Lumped Mass |
Limited |
Excellent |
Low-Medium |
Basic |
Limited |
| Chrono::FSI |
SPH + Multibody |
Good |
Limited |
Medium-High |
Excellent |
Good |
Additional Options
Blender with Physics Add-ons
Status: Not recommended for engineering accuracy
While Blender has improved physics simulation, it's still not suitable for engineering-grade marine simulations. The hydrodynamics are simplified and not validated for complex wave-body interactions.
WEC-Sim + MoorDyn
Status: MATLAB-based (not free)
While excellent for wave energy converters, MATLAB with required toolboxes would cost approximately $3,000-$5,000 USD for a commercial license in Anguilla. Not suitable for open-source requirement.
Other Mentions
- Naval Architecture Software (FreeShip, DELFTship): Good for hull design but limited dynamic simulation
- QALE-FEM: Specialized for nonlinear wave-structure interaction but steep learning curve
- OF2 (OpenFOAM 2): Older version but good for marine applications
Recommended Approach
Based on your requirements, I recommend a two-phase approach:
Phase 1: Quick Prototyping (Weeks 1-2)
Start with Capytaine + MoorDyn + Python for initial validation. This will give you:
- Quick setup with Claude Code assistance
- Basic motion response in regular waves
- Initial understanding of natural frequencies
- Python scripts easily adaptable for new designs
Phase 2: Detailed Analysis (Weeks 3-8+)
Move to DualSPHysics for nonlinear wave analysis:
- Leverage your powerful GPU for faster simulations
- Accurately model large amplitude motions (50-100% submerged legs)
- Get detailed pressure distributions and accelerations
- Create compelling visualizations for presentation
Alternative: If you need the absolute highest accuracy and have time, consider OpenFOAM with overset mesh for the moving legs.
Implementation Timeline Estimates
| Software |
First Simple Simulation |
Full Design Simulation |
Adapt to New Design |
| DualSPHysics |
2-3 weeks |
4-6 weeks |
1-2 weeks |
| OpenFOAM |
4-6 weeks |
8-12 weeks |
2-3 weeks |
| Capytaine+MoorDyn |
3-5 days |
1-2 weeks |
2-3 days |
| Chrono::FSI |
2-4 weeks |
5-8 weeks |
1-2 weeks |
Final Recommendations
For your specific needs: Start with Capytaine for quick validation, then use DualSPHysics for detailed nonlinear analysis.
Why this combination works best:
- Python-based Capytaine allows rapid prototyping with Claude Code assistance
- DualSPHysics handles the nonlinear wave interactions you're concerned about
- Both are free/open-source and support Linux
- DualSPHysics leverages your GPU effectively
- You can create good visualizations with both (though may need Paraview or similar for post-processing)
Next Steps:
- Begin with simple geometric models in Capytaine to understand basic motion responses
- Parallel learn DualSPHysics basics with simple test cases
- Create a Python workflow that can export designs from Capytaine format to DualSPHysics format
- Focus on validating one simulation approach before moving to complex wave conditions