Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Cavity Structure Forced Water Exit from Calm Water at Constant Lifting Velocity

Abstract

In marine engineering, the installation of structures inevitably involves the process of water exit. This paper studies the vertical force, the shape of the free surface, and the evolution of the water entrained in a cavity in the process of lifting a structure, so as to provide guidance for practical engineering operations. Using a 1:8 experimental model, this paper derives the governing equations based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach and uses the volume of fluid method to capture the shape change of the free surface. The vertical forces obtained at different lifting speeds are found to be in good agreement with the results of previous model tests. The results show that the numerical simulation method and mesh generation described in this paper can simulate the changes in the physical quantities associated with the structure in the process of water exit. The vertical force on the structure increases nonlinearly as the lifting speed rises, and the maximum lifting speed is conservatively estimated to be 0.034 m/s using the Det Norske Veritas recommended method. The maximum vertical force occurs as the whole structure leaves the water. The water entrained in the structure is mainly located at the sides and bottom. The lifting velocity plays an important role in the water exit process. The water exit force first increases and then decreases to a stable value as the lifting velocity increases, while the maximum water exit force increases nonlinearly.