Wigley hull

The Wigley hull is a mathematically defined parabolic hull used as an analytical benchmark for wave-resistance and free-surface methods. Its surface is the product of a parabolic waterline and a parabolic frame line, fore-and-aft symmetric, so the geometry is given by a simple closed-form equation. The value is that its wave resistance has a near-analytical solution through Michell’s thin-ship integral, giving a known target against which panel codes, RANS solvers, and towing-tank measurements are checked. It is too slender and fine to represent a real ship, so it tests numerical wave-making accuracy rather than serving as a design parent like Series 60 or KCS.