Title: Extreme wave interaction with a floating oil rig: prediction using SPH

Authors: Paul W. Cleary, Murray Rudman

Addresses: CSIRO Mathematical and Information Sciences, Private Bag 33, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia. ' CSIRO Mathematical and Information Sciences, Private Bag 33, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia

Abstract: Two-way coupling of the effects of wave impact on moored offshore structures is a challenging problem, especially in the case of large amplitude motions produced by extreme wave impact. We explore fully-3D wave impact behaviour on a semi-submersible platform using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH). Wave impact and propagation around and through the structure is complex and induces non-trivial motion. Large waves can impact the underside of the production deck or the upper superstructure. Such impacts can induce dangerous motions, threaten the structural integrity of the platform and create significant risk to people and equipment. These issues are investigated for different mooring configurations and a range of wave heights.

Keywords: SPH; smoothed particle hydrodynamics; offshore hydrodynamics; fluid-structure interaction; waves; semi-submersible; extreme wave interaction; floating oil rigs; semi-submersible platforms; moored offshore structures; wave impact; mooring configurations; wave heights.

DOI: 10.1504/PCFD.2009.027364

Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal, 2009 Vol.9 No.6/7, pp.332 - 344

Published online: 21 Jul 2009 *

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