Experimental validation of network modeling method on a three-modular floating platform model

Abstract

This paper reports an experimental verification of a network modeling method that is recently proposed for forecasting responses of multi-modular floating platforms in regular waves. A three-dimensional network modeling method is presented, which includes the geometric effect of connectors and permits nonlinear dynamic analysis of the floating system. In the validation study, a three-modular floating platform model is fabricated for experimental test in wave basin. Both the linear model and nonlinear model of the network modeling method are examined in the collation of the hydro-elastic method and experiment test. The responses of modules and loads of connectors are employed for the comparison study. The results show that the linear model of the network modeling method is the closest to the test results and outperforms over the nonlinear model and the hydro-elastic method. The possible reasons of the discrepancy in the results of the different methods are discussed. This work validates that the network modeling method is reliable.