Simulation of multiregional wave-structure impact on damping elements on offshore structures

Abstract

Hydrodynamic impacts of free surface waves are a widely known issue in coastal and ship engineering. They can result in severe damage to important industry facilities (e.g. offshore wind turbines) or means of transport (e.g. oil tankers). This kinds of damage give rise to different difficulties due to economic losses and environmental pollution. On that account, the present paper deals with a special feature of a protective mechanism for offshore structures. We develop a numerical multiregional wave-structure impact model of a damping element prototype. The investigated prototype consists essentially of an elastic cover that is attached to the cylindrical mono-pile foundation at wave level. The chamber between the flexible structure and the mono-pile is filled with a liquid. A prototype of the damping element has been constructed as a mono-pile structure test object. In order to measure the hydrodynamic loads on the test object, we placed piezoelectric sensors on the stagnation points of the mono-pile. The multiregional simulation model created is able to imitate the wave impact and its consequences. These implications include the deformation and oscillation of the elastic shell, the resultant force affecting the pile and the dissipation power of the damping fluid. The dissipation power can be understood as the crucial factor preventing the shell from oscillating over long periods of time. It enables us to state the mechanical energy that is transfered due to the wave’s impact on the damping fluid region.