Analysis of Relative Wave Elevation Around Semi-submersible Platform Through Model Test: Focusing on Comparison of Wave Probe Characteristics

Abstract

Recently, as the offshore structures are operated in the deep-sea oil fields, interest in the analysis of relative wave elevation around platforms is increased. In this study, it is examined how the analysis results differ depending on the characteristics of the wave probe when interpreting the relative wave elevation in the model test. First, by conducting the wave probe comparison experiment in the two-dimensional wave tank, it is confirmed how the measured values differ according to the type of wave probe for the same physical phenomenon. Two types of wave probe are selected, the resistance type and the capacitance type, and the causes of the difference in measured values is studied. After that, the model test of the semi-submersible platform is conducted to investigate the relative wave elevation. Relative wave elevation is measured with the wave probes used in the wave probe comparison experiment and analyzed to estimate the asymmetric factor and the extreme upwell. The results between the two types of wave probes are compared, and qualitative study for the cause of the difference is conducted by photographing the physical phenomenon using a high-speed camera. Through the above study, it is confirmed that the capacitance type wave probe shows a larger measured value than the resistance type under the breaking-wave condition, and the same results are obtained for the asymmetric factor and the extreme upwell. These results is thought to be due to the difference in the measurement principle between wave probes, which is whether or not they measured water bubbles. This implies that the model test should be conducted using appropriate wave probes by considering the physical phenomenon to be analyzed.