Time Domain Simulation of Transient Responses of Very Large Floating Structures Under Unsteady External Loads

A time domain finite element method （FEM） for the analysis of transient elastic response of a very large floating structure （VLFS） subjected to arbitrary time-dependent external loads is presented. This method is developed directly in time domain and the hydrodynamic problem is formulated based on linear, inviscid and slightly compressible fluid theory and the structural response is analyzed on the thin plate assumption. The time domain finite element procedure herein is validated by comparing numerical results with available experimental data. Finally, the transient elastic response of a pontoon-type VLFS under the landing of an airplane is computed by the proposed time domain FEM. The time histories of the applied force and the position and velocity of an airplane during landing are modeled with data from a Boeing 747-400 jumbo jet.

Hydroelastic Analysis of Very Large Floating Structures Using Plate Green Functions

Great attention has been paid to the development of very large floating structures. Owing to their extreme large size and great flexibility, the coupling between the structural deformation and fluid motion is significant. This is a typical problem of hydroelasticity. Efficient and accurate estimation of the hydroelastic response of very large floating structures in waves is very important for design. In this paper, the plate Green function and fluid Green function are combined to analyze the hydroelastic response of very large floating structures. The plate Green function here is a new one proposed by the authors and it satisfies all boundary conditions for free-free rectangular plates on elastic foundations. The results are compared with some experimental data. It is shown that the method proposed in this paper is efficient and accurate. Finally, various factors affecting the hydroelastic response of very large floating structures are also studied.

Time Domain Calculation of Connector Loads of a Very Large Floating Structure

Loads generated after an air crash, ship collision, and other accidents may destroy very large floating structures （VLFSs） and create additional connector loads. In this study, the combined effects of ship collision and wave loads are considered to establish motion differential equations for a multi-body VLFS. A time domain calculation method is proposed to calculate the connector load of the VLFS in waves. The Longuet-Higgins model is employed to simulate the stochastic wave load. Fluid force and hydrodynamic coefficient are obtained with DNV Sesam software. The motion differential equation is calculated by applying the time domain method when the frequency domain hydrodynamic coefficient is converted into the memory function of the motion differential equation of the time domain. As a result of the combined action of wave and impact loads, high-frequency oscillation is observed in the time history curve of the connector load. At wave directions of 0° and 75°, the regularities of the time history curves of the connector loads in different directions are similar and the connector loads of C1 and C2 in the X direction are the largest. The oscillation load is observed in the connector in the Y direction at a wave direction of 75° and not at 0° This paper presents a time domain calculation method of connector load to provide a certain reference function for the future development of Chinese VLFS

Computation of Design Load and Motion for Floating Structures Navigating in Waves

Analytical and numerical investigation is made of the source potential for-floating structure with forward speed in waves. A particular form is selected for numerical applications, where the double integral of the Green function is transformed into the single one and the oscillation characteristics for integrands in the specific computation domain are treated numerically. A comparison of calculated examples with published data is given and it shows that the numerical simulation is satisfactory and the accuracy is adequate to engineering application.

An introduction to hull design practices for deepwater floating structures

The concepts of floating structure plays a very important role in deepwater projects; and the design of the floating structure is one of the most important tasks in the project. The importance of the floating structure in offshore projects can be demonstrated in the following several areas： the substantial dynamic structure responses due to wave loading and current loading; the limited motion requirements of risers in deep water; and the increasing difficulty of installation for different components of the system. Three major technical aspects have to be considered, i.e. the strength of structure, the fatigue resistance capacity of the system, and local and global stability of the structure. This paper reviews the current design practice of floating structures, evaluates the main tasks during the design and associated major technical requirements, and addresses the major technical challenges encountered during the design. As a close-out of the paper, the authors discuss some potential future developments in the design of floating structures.

Numerical Investigations on Transient Behaviours of Two 3-D Freely Floating Structures by Using a Fully Nonlinear Method

Two floating structures in close proximity are very commonly seen in offshore engineering. They are often subjected to steep waves and, therefore, the transient effects on their hydrodynamic features are of great concem. This paper uses the quasi arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian finite element method （QALE-FEM）, based on the fully nonlinear potential theory （FNPT）, to numerically investigate the interaction between two 3-D floating structures, which undergo motions with 6 degrees of freedom （DOFs）, and are subjected to waves with different incident angles. The transient behaviours of floating structures, the effect of the accompanied structures, and the nonlinearity on the motion of and the wave loads on the structures are the main focuses of the study. The investigation reveals an important transient effects causing considerably larger structure motion than that in steady state. The results also indicate that the accompanied structure in close proximity enhances the interaction between different motion modes and results in stronger nonlinearity causing 2hal-order component to be of similar significance to the fundamental one.

Transportation of Floating Structures by Using Newly Built Heavy Lifting Semi Vessel HYSY278

Transportation of floating structures for long distance has always been associated with the use of heavy semi transport vessel. The requirements of this type of vessel are always special, and its availability is limited. To prepare for the future development of the South China Sea deepwater projects, COOEC has recently built a heavy lift transport vessel - Hai Yang Shi You 278 （HYSY278）. This semi-submersible vessel has displacement capacity of 50k DWT, and a breath of 42 m. Understanding the vessel＇s applicability and preparing its use for future deepwater projects are becoming imminent need. This paper reviews the critical issues associated with the floating structure transportation and performs detailed analysis of two designed floating structures during transportation. The newly built COOEC transportation vessel HYSY278 will be used to dry transport the floating structures from COOEC fabrication yard in Qingdao to the oil field in the South China Sea. The entire process will start with load-out/float-offthe floating structures from the construction sites, offload the platform from the vessel if needed, dry transport floating structures through a long distance, and finally offload the platform. Both hydrodynamic and struc^tral analyses are performed to evaluate transport vessel and floating structures. Critical issues associated with the transportation and offloading of platform from the vessel will be studied in detail. Detailed study is performed to evaluate the response of the system during this phase and additional work needed to make the vessel feasible for use of this purpose. The results demonstrate that with proper modifications, HYSY278 can effectively be used for transporting structures with proper arrangement and well-prepared operation. The procedure and details are presented on the basis of study results. Special attentions associated with future use will also be discussed based on the results from analysis.

Probabilistic Methods for Reliability Assessment of Floating Structures Based on Extreme Wave Simulation

With the increasing application of floating platforms in deep waters and harsh environments,a proper assessment of the reliability of floating structures is important to ensure that these structures can operate safely during their design lives.This study outlines a practical methodology for reliability analysis of a semi-submersible platform based estimating the probability distribution of the extreme response in rough sea conditions(survival conditions).The Constrained NewWave(CNW)theory combined with Monte Carlo simulations was first applied to simulate the random wave surface elevation process in the time domain.A Gumbel distribution was the best fitting to describe the dynamically sensitive extreme response statistics under extreme waves(drift and mooring tension).The derived probability distribution of the extreme response was subsequently used in estimation of the associated limit state func-tion,and a reliability analysis of the floating structure was conducted using the Monte Carlo method.A semi-submersible platform in a water depth of 1500 m subjected to extreme wave loads was used to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methodology.The probability of failure of the semi-submersible when considering mooring lines tension is greater than considering drift.

Investigation on Effects of Mooring Line Fractures and Connector Failures for A Hybrid Modular Floating Structure System

The present work reports a Hybrid Modular Floating Structure(HMFS)system with typical malfunction conditions.The effects of both fractured mooring lines and failed connectors on main hydrodynamic responses(mooring line tensions,module motions,connector loads and wave power production)of the HMFS system under typical sea con-ditions are comparatively investigated.The results indicate that the mooring tension distribution,certain module motions(surge,sway and yaw)and connector loads(Mz)are significantly influenced by mooring line fractures.The adjacent mooring line of the fractured line on the upstream side suffers the largest tension among the remaining mooring lines,and the case with two fractured mooring lines in the same group on the upstream side is the most dangerous among all cases of two-line failures in view of mooring line tensions,module motions and connector loads.There-fore,one emergency strategy with appropriate relaxation of a proper mooring line has been proposed and proved effective to reduce the risk of more progressive mooring line fractures.In addition,connector failures substantially affect certain module motions(heave and pitch),certain connector loads(Fz and My)and wave power production.The present work can be helpful and instructive for studies on malfunction conditions of modular floating structure(MFS)systems.

Reliability-Based Optimal Design for Very Large Floating Structure

Costs and losses induced by possible future extreme environmental conditions and difficulties in repairing post yielding damage strongly suggest the need for proper consideration in design rather than just life loss prevention. This can be addressed through the development of design methodology that balances the initial cost of the very large floating structure (VLFS) against the expected potential losses resulting from future extreme wave induced structural damage. Here, the development of a methodology for determining optimal, cost effective design will be presented and applied to a VLFS located in the Tokyo bay. Optimal design criteria are determined based on the total expected life cycle cost and acceptable damage probability and curvature of the structure, and a set of sizes of the structure are obtained. The methodology and applications require expressions of the initial cost and the expected life cycle damage cost as functions of the optimal design variables. This study includes the methodology, total life cycle cost function, structural damage modeling, and reliability analysis.

Dynamic Behaviors of a Moored Floating Structure with Flexible Skirts

A numerical model was developed by using the dual boundary element method to investigate the dynamic behavior of a moored floating structure with a pair of vertical and flexible skirts attached at its bottom in the linear wave field. Theoretical conception is based on potential theory with linear external forces. The motions of the structure were assumed to be small and linear. The flexible skirts mounted beneath the structure were assumed uniform flexural rigidity and the thickness of the skirts was negligible. Comparison between the present model and Gesraha＇s solution was made to verify the results for a moored floating structure with or without rigid skirts. The influence of the skirt rigidity on the moored floating structure, moored lines and waves is investigated in this study. The results show that, the natural frequencies of structure＇s oscillation, moored force, wave reflection and transmission tend to the region of short-period waves when the flexible rigidity gradually decreases. Positive correlation exists between the aft mooring force and the pitch motion of the floating structure.

Connector configuration effect on the dynamic characteristics of multi-modular floating structure

In this study,a wave flume experiment is implemented in order to investigate the effect of connector topology on the dynamic characteristics of a modular floating structure.Three configurations of flexible connectors were designed for the experiment tests of a three-modular floating platform under various wave conditions.The results illustrate the module responses,relative displacements of connecting points between adjacent modules,and connector loads for floating structures with different types of connectors in the parameters region of non-dimensional module length.The comparison study demonstrates that the connector type III,which can provide appropriate constraint stiffness in all three degrees of freedom,generally delivers better dynamic stability to the floating platform.The longitudinal loads for the three types of connectors remain at the same level.Additionally,the mechanism of different types of connec-tors on the dynamic features of system is analyzed.This work can provide a few experimental guidelines for the connector design of floating structure in engineering practice.

Design of Ocean Floating Structures:Prediction of Hydrodynamic Coefficients

[Introduction] Accurate calculation of the hydrodynamic coefficients for floating structures and the investigation of the flow field distribution around floating bodies on the marine free surface are essential for improving the engineering design and application of marine structures.[Method] This study utilized the computational fluid dynamics(CFD) approach and the Reynolds Averaged NavierStokes(RANS) method and considered the effects of viscosity and free surface interactions on the hydrodynamic behavior of floating structures.By employing the dynamic mesh technique,this study simulated the periodic movements of simplified three-dimensional(3D)shapes:spheres,cylinders,and cubes,which were representative of complex marine structures.The volume of fluid(VOF) method was leveraged to accurately track the nonlinear behavior of the free surface.In this analysis,the added mass and damping coefficients for the fundamental modes of motion(surge,heave,and roll) were calculated across a spectrum of frequencies,facilitating the fast determination of hydrodynamic forces and moments exerted on floating structures.[Result] The results of this study are not only consistent with the results of the 3D potential flow theory but also further reflect the role of viscosity.This method can be used for precise calculation of the hydrodynamic coefficients of floating structures and for describing the flow field of such structures in motion on a free surface.[Conclusion] The methodology presented goes beyond the traditional potential flow approach.

Seabed structures and foundations related to deep-sea resource development:A review based on design and research

The deep‐sea ground contains a huge amount of energy and mineral resources,for example,oil,gas,and minerals.Various infrastructures such as floating structures,seabed structures,and foundations have been developed to exploit these resources.The seabed structures and foundations can be mainly classified into three types:subsea production structures,offshore pipelines,and anchors.This study reviewed the development,installation,and operation of these infrastructures,including their structures,design,installation,marine environment loads,and applications.On this basis,the research gaps and further research directions were explored through this literature review.First,different floating structures were briefly analyzed and reviewed to introduce the design requirements of the seabed structures and foundations.Second,the subsea production structures,including subsea manifolds and their foundations,were reviewed and discussed.Third,the basic characteristics and design methods of deep‐sea pipelines,including subsea pipelines and risers,were analyzed and reviewed.Finally,the installation and bearing capacity of deep‐sea subsea anchors and seabed trench influence on the anchor were reviewed.Through the review,it was found that marine environment conditions are the key inputs for any offshore structure design.The fabrication,installation,and operation of infrastructures should carefully consider the marine loads and geological conditions.Different structures have their own mechanical problems.The fatigue and stability of pipelines mainly depend on the soil‐structure interaction.Anchor selection should consider soil types and possible trench formation.These focuses and research gaps can provide a helpful guide on further research,installation,and operation of deep‐sea structures and foundations.

The progress in the verification of key technologies for floating structures near islands and reefs

In 2019 a Scientific Research&Demonstration Platform was deployed near islands and reefs in South China Sea by a joint research group of 7 institutes and universities in China.It is a simplified small model of a two-module semi-submersible-type VLFS.The test on site has continued for more than one and half years since then for long-term observations to validate the developed key technologies for design and behavior predictions of floating structures deployed near islands and reefs.An integrated information system was set up to continuously collect and inspect the data of the encountered waves,structure responses,connector forces,mooring line forces,anti-corrosion status of the platform,the performance efficiencies of a floating breakwater nearby and a wave energy converter attached on the breakwater.In this paper,the status of the on-site measurements and validations of the key technologies are briefly described.

Scour and liquefaction issues for anchors and other subsea structures in floating offshore wind farms: A review

This article reviews scouring and liquefaction issues for anchor foundations of floating offshore wind farms.The review is organized in two sections:(1)the scouring issues for drag-embedment anchors(DEAs)and other subsea structures associated with DEAs such as tensioners,clump weights,and chains in floating offshore wind farms;and(2)the liquefaction issues for the same types of structures,particularly for DEAs.The scouring processes are described in detail,and the formulae and design guidelines for engineering predictions are included for quantities like scour depth,time scale,and sinking due to general shear failure of the bed soil caused by scoui\The latter is furnished with numerical examples.Likewise,in the second section,the liquefaction processes are described with special reference to residual liquefaction where pore-water pressure builds up in undrained soils(such as fine sand and silt)under waves,leading to liquefaction of the bed soil and precipitating failure of DEAs and their associated subsea structures.An integrated mathematical model to deal with liquefaction around and the resulted sinking failure of DEAs,introduced in a recent study,has been revisited.Implementation of the model is illustrated with a numerical example.It is believed that the present review and the existing literatures from the"neighboring"fields form a complementary source of information on scour and liquefaction around foundations of floating offshore wind farms.

A LINEAR HYBRID MODEL OF MSE AND BEM FOR FLOATING STRUCTURES IN COASTAL ZONES

A linear hybrid model of Mild Slope Equation （MSE） and Boundary Element Method （BEM） is developed to study the wave propagation around floating structures in coastal zones. Both the wave refraction under the influence of topography and the wave diffraction by floating structures are considered. Hence, the model provides wave properties around the coastal floating structures of arbitrary shape but also the wave forces on and the hydrodynamic characteristics of the structures. Different approaches are compared to demonstrate the validity of the present hybrid model. Several numerical tests are carried out for the cases of pontoons under different circumstances. The results show that the influence of topography on the hydrodynamic characteristics of floating structures in coastal regions is important and must not be ignored in the most wave period range with practical interests.

Analysis of Responses of Floating Dual Pontoon Structure

A numerical model is developed by use of the boundary integral equation method to investigate the responses of a two-dimensional floating structure. The structure under consideration consisting of two pontoons, is connected by a rigid framework, and linked to the sea floor by a mooring system. The theoretical conception is based on potential theory with hnear external forces, and applied to an arbitrarily shaped body and water depth. The discussion includes the influence of draft and space between pontoons on the responses of the floating structure. Finally, the validity of the method is adequately verified by experimental results.

Free-Surface Wave Interaction with a Very Large Floating Structure

The free-surface wave interaction with a pontoon-type very large floating structure(VLFS) is analyzed by utilizing a modal expansion method. The modal expansion method consists of separating the hydrodynamic analysis and the dynamic response analysis of the structure. In the dynamic response analysis of the structure,the deflection of the structure with various edge conditions is decomposed into vibration modes that can be arbitrarily chosen. Free-free beam model, pinned-free beam model and fixed-free beam model are three different types of edge conditions considered in this study. For each of these beam models, the detailed mathematical formulations for calculating the corresponding eigenvalues and eigenmodes have been given, and the mathematical formulations corresponding to the beam models of pinned-free beam and fixed-free beam are novel. For the hydrodynamic analysis of the structure, the boundary value problem(BVP) equations in terms of plate modes have been established, and the BVP equations corresponding to the beam models of pinned-free beam and fixedfree beam are also novel. When these BVP equations are solved numerically, the structure deflections and the wave reflection and transmission coefficients can be obtained. These calculation results point out some findings valuable for engineering design.

Linear and quadratic damping coefficients of a single module of a very large floating structure over variable bathymetry:Physical and numerical free-decay experiments

The linearity assumption is widely used when acquiring the hydrodynamic coefficients of a floating structure.However,the linear damping is frequently underestimated,especially for the natural frequency.To investigate the sloping seafloor effects on the damping terms of a single module of a semi-submersible Very Large Floating Structure(VLFS),this paper revisits the conventional formulation and further proposes the direct integration method for obtaining the linear and quadratic damping coefficients from free-decay tests.Numerical free-decay simulations of the single module over variable bathymetry are carried out by the CFD numerical tank.Corresponding model tests are also implemented to verify and validate against the numerical solutions.The effects of the sloping seafloor,as well as the water depth,on the hydrodynamic coefficients are investigated based on the validated CFD modeling.Both numerical and experimental results indicate that the acquisition of the linear and quadratic damping coefficients is sensitive to the data-processing and identification approaches.For the case studied in present paper,the identification errors introduced by the conventional method are 1.5%while they are 0.5%using the direct integration method.The quadratic damping coefficient for heave mode decreases about 10.4%when the sloping angle increases from 0 to 6 deg.