Hydroelastic responses of a 3-module VLFS in the waves influenced by complicated geographic environment

Abstract

During the Very Large Floating Structure (VLFS) is deployed not far from the shore line or near the island, the ocean waves and hydroelastic responses of VLFS could be greatly influenced by the complicated geographic environment, particularly for the depth-varying seabed. Firstly, the extreme wave parameters of different recurrence periods at the deployed location are solved by the numerical simulations of wave evolution and propagation in an archipelagic water field using the third-generation wave model. The numerical results are compared with the data from the on-site measurement and model test in a shallow water wave basin. Secondly, one hydroelastic numerical coupled model of the floating structure responding to the waves in shallow water with a specified seabed profile is proposed and validated by comparing with the model test results. Finally, based on the above model, the hydroelastic responses of the VLFS in the waves influenced by complicated geographic environment are obtained. It is concluded that the wave statistics experiences obviously changes when propagating and approaching towards the island; meanwhile, the complicated seabed profile has an apparent influence on the hydroelastic responses of the VLFS.