Numerical and experimental studies on a 2-module VLFS with hinged connector

Abstract

The design of Very Large Floating Structures (VLFSs) often involves multiple modules with connectors. Consequently, Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) has been attracted more and more attention in the design of VLFSs due to their considerable dimensions. This paper presented results of numerical and experimental studies on a 2-module VLFS with hinged connectors. A Flexible Module and Flexible Connector (FMFC) method was established in this paper, which allows for considering the influence of elastic deformation on each module and connectors. Model test was designed and conducted in wave basin, including wet modal tests in still water in, a white noise wave test and regular wave tests. The present method was verified by the model test, and good agreements were observed between the numerical and experimental results. Subsequently, the characteristic of wave loads in different wave directions was investigated by numerical calculation, and the design wave parameters were obtained by short-term analysis. Several useful conclusions were summarized, which can provide a reference for the analysis of dynamic responses, design, and construction of the VLFSs.