Numerical modeling of flexible floating boom using a coupled SPH–FEM model

Abstract

ABSTRACTA two-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics–finite-element method (SPH-FEM) model is developed to model the movement of flexible floating boom and bending of its skirt under sea environment. The most significant feature of the present model is the introduction of a weakly coupled gird-to-particle interface for bridging the SPH domain of fluid and the FEM domain for resolving the deformation of the flexible boom skirt, which is different from the previous simulation that adopts a rigid module and flexible connector approach of multibody system. The SPH–FEM model is validated against a series of experimental tests of boom motion and skirt deformation. A comprehensive investigation is concentrated on the hydrodynamic characteristics of the floating booms for using different material stiffness and skirt length under the action of combined wave current. It is found that the boom with longer skirt does not necessarily have good containment performances due to its poor hydrodynamic property in terms of heave and roll. Moreover, the flexible floating boom is proved to have better oil containment performance than the rigid one in a wave-dominated environment. It is also found from the FEM solution of the skirt deformation that the maximum principal strain mainly occurs in the vicinity of the floater–skirt joint on the leeside surface of the skirt under the action of combined waves and currents.