Design of Semi Submersible Platform using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

This paper reports based on an experimental study to simulate flow due to irregular fluid flow in a semi-submersible platform using computational fluid dynamics. In this paper we use computational fluid dynamics tools which solve simple differential equations and finite volume method (FVM). A turbulence model is considered i.e. large eddy simulation (LES). The semi-submersible model is considered as pontoons, columns, horizontal brace and deck. The pontoons are horizontal placed stadium shaped structures which are submerged into the water. The columns are structures which connect the deck and pontoons in these model circular columns are considered. The horizontal braces are circular tube-like structures which connect the two or more columns which increases the rigidity of the columns. The deck is a flat surface which provides workable area. This paper is a comparison of fluid flow at different velocity magnitude. The velocity contour, pressure contour and streamline contour are simulated and graphically represented. The numerical simulations are compared with experimental solutions and focus on vicinity of the platform. The difference in pressure, temperature and streamline flow are tabulated and graphically represented. The average percentage difference in temperature and pressure are calculated to be 73% and 128% respectively. Thus, the causation is investigated for the case and several governing parameters are recognized.