The paper presents a theoretical study on an active hybrid decomposed mooring system for model testing of offshore platform in wave basin. The basic concept and the working principles are described. Important issues for achieving a correct simulation will be discussed. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated based on numerical investigations. Plans for potential implementation in an ocean basin are also discussed.
Prediction of shallow water low frequency (LF) motions of vessels in the context of mooring analysis is challenging. Model tests are often performed to calibrate and validate numerical models and, in this way, reduce the uncertainty. Model tests are part of the positioning system qualifying process. However, model tests also present challenges and uncertainties related to parasitic low frequency wave systems which are unavoidable in shallow water ocean basin conditions.
The paper presents model tests with a ship moored in shallow water (20 m), the analysis and discussion of the test data and comparisons with numerical predictions. The focus is on the low frequency motions and related wave drift forces. The tests have been performed in harmonic waves, bi-harmonic waves and irregular seastates, including conditions with and without current. The first part of the study consists of analysing the wave field measured by a long array of wave sensors distributed along the ocean basin. The analysis provides split wave systems, namely the low frequency components including the bound wave, the incoming free parasitic wave, the reflected component and additional very long waves. The second part proposes a method to calibrate and validate mooring analysis numerical models, based on comparisons with model test data which includes the unavoidable effects from parasitic waves. Simulations of LF motions with the calibrated model show a good agreement with the measurements.
This paper presents an active positioning system aimed at replacing the classical “passive” soft horizontal mooring system used in seakeeping tests of floating structures. We discuss the limitations of the passive approach, present the main components of the active system, and demonstrate its ability to reproduce results obtained with the passive system. We then show how the active system allow controlling the low-frequency damping applied to the floater. We conclude on the possibilities offered by this apparatus.
The paper presents calibration and validation of a time domain numerical model for mooring analysis of a spread moored FPSO in moderate seastates with and without current. The equations of motion are solved in the time domain with a fully coupled method, accounting for linear wave frequency (WF) radiation and diffraction, second order wave drift forces and nonlinear low frequency (LF) damping. The mooring system dynamics is solved by a FEM. Uncalibrated numerical models are based on input from the mooring system, vessel mass, radiation/diffraction analysis, decay tests and current coefficients. WF responses are very well predicted by standard radiation/diffraction linear analysis, therefore the focus is on the LF responses. LF motions are underpredicted by the uncalibrated numerical model.
Calibration is performed by comparing simulations with model test data and adjusting hydrodynamic coefficients known to be affected by uncertainty. These include wave drift force coefficients and LF damping. Correction of the drift coefficients is based on empirical quadratic transfer functions (QTFs) identified from the test data by a nonlinear data analysis technique known as “cross-bi-spectral analysis”. The LF damping coefficients are then adjusted by matching low frequency surge and sway spectra from the model tests and from the simulations.
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