Numerical study of hydrodynamic coefficients of multiple heave plates by large eddy simulations with volume of fluid method

Abstract

Hydrodynamic coefficients of multiple heave plates are studied for offshore structures to reduce heave responses in oscillating flows. Large eddy simulations with volume of fluid method are performed to predict the hydrodynamic force on a forced oscillated model with multiple heave plates. Predicted added mass and drag coefficients are validated by a water tank test. Then, flow pattern around the multiple heave plates is investigated to clarify the mechanism of hydrodynamic forces on each plate, and a systematic study on the effects of geometric parameters, such as spacing ratio, diameter ratio and aspect ratio on the hydrodynamics of octagonal heave plate are conducted. Finally, formulas of added mass and drag coefficients for a single and double heave plates with circular, octagonal and square cross-sections are proposed to cover a wide range of application of the heave plate.