Probabilistic wave spectrum and fatigue estimation

Abstract

This study introduces a new way to characterize a long-term random ocean wave by using a ‘probabilistic’ wave spectrum. Based on this probabilistic wave spectrum, an efficient and accurate method for estimating the fatigue damage of offshore structures is developed. A numerical example involving 8136 archived wave spectra measured at the Gulf of Mexico is provided to demonstrate the use, and to show the accuracy, of the proposed method.