The fluid mechanics of splashing bow waves on ships: A hybrid BEM-SPH analysis

► The free surface bow flow around a fast and fine ship in calm water is studied. ► The evolution of the breaking bow wave is modeled using the 2D+t theory. ► A domain-decomposition strategy is adopted which combines two Lagrangian methods. ► The SPH method describes the splashing and the evolution of vortical structures. ► A validation has been performed through comparison with experimental data.