Strength Analysis on Brace Structure for Semi-Submersible in Consideration of Wave Slamming

Slamming on bracings of column stabilized units shall be considered as a possible limiting criterion under transit condition based on the requirements in DNV-OS-C103. However, the wave slamming loads under survival condition were ignored for the strength analysis of the brace structures in many semi-submersible projects. In this paper, a method of strength analysis of brace structure is proposed based on the reconstruction and extrapolation of numerical model. The full-scale mooring system, the wind, wave and current loads can be considered simultaneously. Firstly,the model tests of the semi-submersible platform in wind tunnel and wave tanker have been carried out. Secondly,the numerical models of the platform are reconstructed and extrapolated based on the results of model tests. Then, a nonlinear numerical analysis has been conducted to study the wave slamming load on brace in semi-submersible platform through the reconstructed and extrapolated numerical model. For the randomness of wave load, ten subcases under each condition have been carried out. The value of the 90% Gumble distribution values of the ten subcases are used. Finally, the strength on brace structure has been analyzed considering the wave slamming. The wave slamming loads have been compared between the survival condition and transit condition with the method. The results indicate that wave slamming under survival condition is more critical than that under transit condition.Meanwhile, the wave slamming is significant to the structural strength of the brace. It should be overall considered in the strength analysis of the brace structure.

Seismic performance and resilience of composite damping self-centering braced frame structures

A magnetorheological self-centering brace(MR–SCB)has been proposed to improve the energy dissipation capability of the brace.In this paper,a 15-story MR–SCB braced frame is numerically analyzed to examine its seismic performance and resilience.The MR–SCB provides higher lateral stiffness than the buckling restrained brace and greater energy dissipation capability than the existing self-centering brace.The brace also exhibits a reliable recentering capacity.Under rare earthquakes,the maximum average residual deformation ratio of the structure is less than the 0.5%limit.Under mega earthquakes,the maximum average interstory drift ratio of the structure does not exceed the 2.0%elastoplastic limit,and its maximum average floor acceleration ratio is 1.57.The effects of mainshock and aftershock on the structural behavior are also investigated.The interstory drift and residual deformation of the structure increase with the increase of the intensity of the aftershock.Under aftershocks with the same intensity as the mainshocks,the maximum increment of the residual deformation ratio of the structure is 81.8%,and the average interstory drift ratios of the 12^(th),7^(th),and 3^(rd)stories of the structure are increased by 13.4%,9.2%and 7.5%,respectively.The strong aftershock may significantly cause increased damage to the structure,and increase its collapse risk and residual deformation.

A new design of automatic vertical drilling tool

In order to effectively improve penetration rates and enhance wellbore quality for vertical wells,a new Automatic Vertical Drilling Tool(AVDT)based on Eccentric Braced Structure(EBS)is designed.Applying operating principle of rotary steering drilling,AVDT adds offset gravity block automatic induction inclination mechanism.When hole straightening happens,tools take essentric moment to be produced by gravity of offset gravity lock to control the bearing of guide force,so that well straightening is achieved.The normal tool's size of the AVDT is designed as 215.9 mm,other major components'sizes are worked out by the result of theoretical analysis,including the offset angle of EBS.This paper aims to introduce the structure,operating principle,theoretical analysis and describe the key components'parameters setting of the AVDT.