An Improved Time Domain Approach for Analysis of Floating Bridges Based on Dynamic Finite Element Method and State-Space Model

The floating bridge bears the dead weight and live load with buoyancy, and has wide application prospect in deep-water transportation infrastructure. The structural analysis of floating bridge is challenging due to the complicated fluid-solid coupling effects of wind and wave. In this research, a novel time domain approach combining dynamic finite element method and state-space model (SSM) is established for the refined analysis of floating bridges. The dynamic coupled effects induced by wave excitation load, radiation load and buffeting load are carefully simulated. High-precision fitted SSMs for pontoons are established to enhance the calculation efficiency of hydrodynamic radiation forces in time domain. The dispersion relation is also introduced in the analysis model to appropriately consider the phase differences of wave loads on pontoons. The proposed approach is then employed to simulate the dynamic responses of a scaled floating bridge model which has been tested under real wind and wave loads in laboratory. The numerical results are found to agree well with the test data regarding the structural responses of floating bridge under the considered environmental conditions. The proposed time domain approach is considered to be accurate and effective in simulating the structural behaviors of floating bridge under typical environmental conditions.

     

Approximation to the hydrodynamics of floating pontoons under oblique waves

The hydrodynamic properties of long rigid floating pontoon interacting with linear oblique waves in water of finite arbitrary depth are examined theoretically. The flow is idealized as linearized, velocity potentials are expressed in the form of eigen-function expansions with unknown coefficients. The fluid domain is split into three regions, region (1) wave-ward of the structure, region (2) in the lee of the structure, and region (3) beneath the structure. The different hydrodynamic quantities of interest such as the exciting forces, added mass and damping coefficients, reflection and transmission coefficients were studied for an applicable range of wave/structure parameters. Assuming rigid body motions, dynamic responses of the moored structure is approximately calculated through three equations of motion. Floating pontoons proved to be a convenient alternative for protection from waves in shallow water. The present method of solution was found to be computationally efficient, and results are comparable to those obtained through other techniques.     

Urban structures as marine habitats: an experimental comparison of the composition and abundance of subtidal epibiota among pilings, pontoons and rocky reefs

There remains little understanding of the relationship between the ecologies of urban habitats (pilings and pontoons) and natural habitats (rocky reef) for sessile plants and animals (epibiota) living on urbanised coasts. This study describes the structure of subtidal assemblages of epibiota among pilings, pontoons and adjacent rocky reef in Sydney Harbour, Australia. I tested the prediction that the experimental provision of substrata of the same age and composition in all three habitats would produce assemblages that: (1) differed among all three habitats; and (2) differed most on floating pontoons relative to the two fixed habitats (pilings and reef). As predicted, the results suggested that both pilings and pontoons, particularly the latter, create novel habitats for epibiotic assemblages independent of age and composition of substratum. It is not fully understood why these urban structures act as such different habitats from natural rocky reefs. The important point is that they are different and we are yet to understand the implications of this for the ecology of coastal areas subject to urbanisation.     

Dual pontoon floating breakwater

The hydrodynamic properties of a dual pontoon floating breakwater consisting of a pair of floating cylinders of rectangular section, connected by a rigid deck, is investigated theoretically. The structure is partially restrained by linear symmetric moorings fore and aft. The fluid motion is idealized as linearized, two-dimensional potential flow and the equation of motion of the breakwater is taken to be that of a two-dimensional rigid body undergoing surge, heave and pitch motions. The solution for the fluid motion is obtained by the boundary integral equation method using an appropriate Green's function. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the effects of the various wave and structural parameters on the efficiency of the breakwater as a barrier to wave action. It is found that the wave reflection properties of the structure depend strongly on the width, draft and spacing of the pontoons and the mooring line stiffness, while the excess buoyancy of the system is of lesser importance.     

浮筒辅助大型导管架结构整体拆除上浮过程动力响应特征研究

浮筒辅助大型导管架结构整体拆除作业是一个连续过程,作业过程中拆除系统的动力荷载及动力参数均会发生显著变化,传统基于某一稳定状态的结构动力响应分析方法不能准确预测拆除系统上浮过程中的动力响应。通过建立浮筒辅助大型导管架结构整体拆除上浮过程动态分析模型,对拆除系统上浮过程的动力响应特性进行研究。结果表明,整体拆除动态分析模型可以准确描述拆除系统上浮过程中浮筒及导管架浮力变化对上浮高度的影响机制,拆除系统上浮高度约为不考虑浮筒和导管架浮力变化时的90%。此外,浮筒辅助大型导管架整体拆除方法的动态稳定性较强,四级海况下拆除系统的最大偏移量仅为4.2 m,有较好的工程应用前景。     

Extracting energy while reducing hydroelastic responses of VLFS using a modular raft wec-type attachment

This paper presents the use of a modular raft Wave Energy Converter (WEC)-type attachment at the fore edge of a rectangular Very Large Floating Structure (VLFS) for extracting wave energy while reducing hydroelastic responses of the VLFS under wave action. The proposed modular attachment comprises multiple independent auxiliary pontoons (i.e. modules) that are connected to the fore edge of the VLFS with hinges and linear Power Take-Off (PTO) systems. For the hydroelastic analysis, the auxiliary pontoons and the VLFS are modelled by using the Mindlin plate theory while the linear wave theory is used for modelling the fluid motion. The analysis is performed in the frequency domain using the hybrid Finite Element-Boundary Element (FE-BE) method. Parametric studies are carried out to investigate the effects of pontoon length, PTO damping coefficient, gap between auxiliary pontoons, and incident wave angle on the power capture factor as well as reductions in the hydroelastic responses of the VLFS with the modular attachment. It is found that in oblique waves, the modular attachment comprising multiple narrow pontoons outperforms the corresponding rigid attachment that consists of a single wide pontoon with respect to the power capture factor and the reduction in the deflection of the VLFS. In addition, it is possible to have a considerable gap between pontoons without significantly compromising the effectiveness of the modular attachment.     

Assemblages of animals around urban structures: testing hypotheses of patterns in sediments under boat-mooring pontoons

Assemblages of animals in soft-sediments were studied in relation to pontoons for mooring private boats in two estuaries near Sydney, Australia. Based on previously observed patterns around other types of artificial structures, it was predicted that assemblages of animals under pontoons would be different from those in similar areas away from pontoons. Hypotheses about overall differences in average abundance and composition between sites with and without pontoons were tested, as were hypotheses about variable differences among and within estuaries. Analyses revealed that there were fewer crustaceans under pontoons in one estuary. The most conspicuous patterns related to pontoons were, however, differences in variability among sites with pontoons compared to sites without pontoons. Differences in spatial variability were found for the overall multivariate structure using Bray-Curtis dissimilarities and for abundances of most major taxa. Total abundance was approximately 60 times more variable among sites without pontoons and number of taxa were seven times more variable among sites with pontoons. Such patterns indicate that impacts of pontoons occur at some sites but not at others. This may be explained by intrinsic differences among sites or by differences in practices for maintenance. Predictions from these two contrasting models need to be tested in order to achieve efficient management of this type of structure.     

Experimental study on wave transmission coefficient, mooring lines and module connector forces with different designs of floating breakwaters

This paper presents the results and conclusions obtained from the physical model tests carried out with four different designs of floating breakwaters. Changes from a basic design have been introduced in order to evaluate the improvement in the efficiency as a coastal protection structure. Incident and transmitted waves have been measured, as well as the efforts in the mooring lines and module connectors. It has been found that the width of the pontoons is one of the key design parameters, while small modifications in the floating breakwater's cross section shape are less determinant in its hydrodynamic behaviour and in mechanical loads in the discussed ranges. 2D and 3D tests were conducted, observing the great influence that the wave obliquity has in the module connector forces.     

Dynamic Responses of Pontoons Connecting Process of Mobile Offshore Base

The dynamic responses of two pontoons while connected with each other in irregular waves are calculated by means of three-dimensional (3-D) potential flow theory.The computation is to find the optimal status for connection at a certain sea state.On the basis of the relative motion of two pontoons in irregular waves,Visual FORTRAN programming language,as well as OpenGL (Open Graphics Library),is used to develop a set of virtual reality system of the relative motion of two pontoons,which is fully interactive with realistic effect.The transfinite interpolation scheme is applied for the mesh generation of wave surface,and the wave motion is simulated by surface elevation and calculated by 3-D potential flow theory.     

Coupled dynamic analysis of a mini TLP: Comparison with measurements

The dynamically coupled interaction between the hull of a floating platform and its risers and tendons plays an important role in the global motions of the platform and the tension loads in the tendons and risers. This is an especially critical design issue in the frequency ranges outside the wave frequencies of significant energy content. This study examines the importance of this coupled dynamic interaction and the effectiveness of different approaches for their prediction. A numerical code, named COUPLE, has been developed for computing the motions and tensions pertaining to a moored floating structure positioned and restrained by its mooring/tendon and riser systems. In this study the experimentally measured motions of a mini-TLP are compared with those computed using COUPLE and alternative predictions based upon quasi-static analysis. The comparisons confirm that COUPLE is able to predict the dynamic interaction between the hull and its tendon and riser systems while the related quasi-static analysis fails. The comparisons also show that wave loads on the mini-TLP can be accurately predicted using the Morison equation provided that the wavelength of incident waves is much longer than the diameters of the columns and pontoons and that the wave kinematics used are sufficiently accurate. Although these findings are based upon the case of a mini-TLP, they are expected to be relevant to a wide range of floating or compliant deepwater structures.     

Floating and fixed artificial habitats: Spatial and temporal patterns of benthic communities in a coral reef environment

While natural marine habitats with motion capabilities, e.g., kelps and seaweeds, have been studied alongside their associated fouling communities, little is known of the effect of motion on the communities of floating artificial habitats such as buoys, rafts, and pontoons, particularly in tropical systems. Hydrodynamic features greatly differ between floating and fixed artificial substrata, which in turn affect the structure of their associated communities. This study tested the hypothesis that floating and fixed artificial installations in a tropical reef system (Eilat, Red Sea) would support different benthic communities throughout space and time. Specifically, we examined differences in communities recruited onto settlement plates between floating and fixed installations deployed at three different sites, along a two-year monitoring period. The three sites exhibited distinct differences in species assemblages between the monitoring dates (6, 12, 18 and 24 months post deployment), mainly between the first and the last two dates. The average level of dissimilarity between floating and fixed installations increased over time at all sites. Over 50% of the dissimilarity between the floating and fixed installations resulted from five taxonomic groups i.e., bryozoans, bivalves, barnacles, sponges, including the amount of bare space on the settlement plates. The contribution of these groups to the dissimilarity changed both temporally within each site, and spatially among sites. The observed differences were related to the hydrodynamic characteristics of floating and fixed habitats, interacting with biotic features such as predation, successional processes and seasonality; and abiotic features including small-scale spatial changes, light, and position in the water column.     

A dynamic response analysis of tension leg platforms including hydrodynamic interaction in regular waves

A numerical procedure is described for predicting the motion and structural responses of tension leg platforms (TLPs) in waves. The developed numerical approach, in a TLP is assumed to be flexible instead of rigid, is based on a combination of the three dimensional source distribution method and the finite-element method. The hydrodynamic interactions among TLP members, such as columns and pontoons, are included in the motion and structural response analysis. Numerical results are compared with the experimental and numerical ones. The results of comparison confirmed the validity of the proposed approach.     

Extending the generality of ecological models to artificial floating habitats

Marine assemblages on natural hard substrata are generally different from those on artificial habitats. There is, however, the potential for certain ecological processes to operate on both types of structures. On the sides of floating pontoons in Sydney Harbour, there were strong patterns of vertical distribution of sessile epibiotic organisms and molluscan grazers across relatively small spatial scales (in three defined zones, namely splash, shallow and deep). Patterns of vertical distribution of the tubeworms Hydroides spp. were reversed depending on the cover of mussels. A manipulative experiment was done to test if patterns of vertical distribution of Hydroides spp. were due to (1) the functioning of mussels or (2) the structure provided by mussels. Neither the functioning nor structure of mussels accounted for the patterns of distribution of Hydroides spp. Mussels increased recruitment of Hydroides spp., in the shallow and deep zones, and this was not due to increased surface area of the mussel shells. Manipulation of numbers of grazers and covers of sessile epibiota showed that the observed negative relationship between grazers and epibiota was due to grazers reducing recruitment of epibiota and epibiota decreasing survival of grazers. Most importantly, processes that accounted for patterns of distribution of mobile and sessile organisms on artificial floating structures were similar to those repeatedly shown to create such patterns on natural rocky shores.     

Efficient computation of cross-spectral densities in the stochastic modelling of waves and wave loads

A new method is presented for efficient calculation of auto- and cross-spectral densities in the stochastic modelling of ocean waves and wave loads. As part of the short-term response analyses, the method may contribute to more efficient long-term response prediction. Specifically the cross-spectral densities of the first order wave excitation forces are considered, but the method is straightforwardly generalized to other cross-spectral densities, e.g. for wave elevation, wave kinematics or second order loads. The method can be used with any choice of directional spreading function, but special attention is given to the commonly used cos-2s type directional distribution. In addition to the development of the new method, the traditional method using the trapezoidal rule for numerical quadrature is improved by developing an adaptive way of choosing the number of integration points. The accuracy of the adaptive method and the new method is investigated, revealing rapid convergence for both methods. However, the new method appears more robust as it avoids so-called spurious hat errors. When applied to two different pontoon type floating bridges the adaptive method and the new method both achieve a great improvement in computational effort compared to the traditional trapezoidal rule method. When the dimensions of the floating bridge increase, i.e. the number of pontoons and their relative distances increase, the new method is superior with respect to computation time.     

The prediction of the dynamic and structural motions of a floating-pier system in waves

In this study, a two-dimensional floating pier consists of single rectangular impermeable pontoon with side supporting pile-columns is studied. The purpose of this study is to present a theoretical solution for the linearized problem of incident waves exerting on a floating pier with pile-restrained. All boundary conditions are linearized in the problem, which is incorporated into a scattering problem and radiation problem with unit displacement. The method of separation of variables is used to solve for velocity potentials. For the radiation problem with unit heave and pitch amplitude, the boundary value problem with non-homogeneous boundary condition beneath the structure is solved by using a solution scheme. By calculating the wave force from velocity potential and solving the equation of motion of the floating structure simultaneously a close form theoretical solution for the problem is developed. The finite element method was also applied to calculate the dynamic responses on the supporting piles subjected to the pontoon motions and incident waves.     

筏式海水养殖设施在波浪作用下的水弹性分析

由于台风等恶劣海洋条件的影响,海上浮筏式养殖结构极易遭受破坏。浮筏式海水养殖结构系统由多个浮子、连接走板和系泊缆组成。文中研究了不同走板材料对浮筏结构在波浪中动力响应的影响。通过基于势流理论的软件WAMIT计算获得了浮子的附加质量系数。利用海洋工程软件OrcaFlex计算模拟了浮筏结构在波浪中的时历响应,并分析比较了采用不同走板材料的浮筏结构在海浪中的水弹性差异。研究结果表明,木制浮筏相对新型高密度聚乙烯（high density polyethylene,简称HDPE）材料在波浪中受到的弯矩更大,可能更容易受到破坏。另外,对比分析了直接计算的结构最大响应和基于瑞利分布预测的最大响应值（MPM）,结果表明结构最大垂向运动基本符合瑞利分布,而水平运动最大值由于受系泊系统非线性影响,与瑞利分布有一定差异。     

半潜式钻井平台浮箱表面裂纹前沿断裂参量和临界状态评估研究

对于半潜式钻井平台浮箱,裂纹的扩展不仅影响结构的水密性甚至可能对结构的安全产生巨大威胁,并直接决定平台的整体使用寿命。以南海某平台为研究对象,对浮箱板壳椭圆形表面裂纹前沿应力强度因子的分布规律,以及裂纹形状系数对裂纹前沿应力强度因子分布规律的影响等进行了研究。在此基础上,基于BS7910规范中‘合于使用’原则,对裂纹的临界状态进行了分析和评定,为海洋环境条件下半潜式钻井平台浮箱表面裂纹的极限尺寸研究提供了一种科学的方法。     

半潜式平台内孤立波载荷计算方法及其试验验证

针对半潜式平台的立柱群和沉箱群,设计了两套独立的载荷测量系统,利用大型重力式密度分层水槽,在不同来波方向下对孤立波中半潜式平台载荷进行了系列模型试验。研究表明,对平台立柱部分,其内孤立波载荷可以用Morison公式进行计算,基于试验结果建立了Morison公式中其拖曳力系数以及惯性力系数的经验公式;对于半潜式平台的沉箱部分,当来波方向与其中纵剖面不平行时,其水平内孤立波载荷同样可以使用Morison公式进行计算,并建立了Morison公式中其拖曳力系数以及惯性力系数的经验公式;当来波方向与半潜式平台中纵剖面平行时,沉箱群的水平内孤立波载荷可以采用Froude-Krylov公式进行计算;同时,在不同来波方向下沉箱群的垂向载荷同样可以采用Froude-Krylov公式进行计算。     

Transient Hydroelastic Response of VLFS by FEM with Impedance Boundary Conditions in Time Domain

A time-dependent finite element method (FEM) is developed to analyze the transient hydroelastie responses of very large floating structures (VLFS) subjected to dynamic loads. The hydrodynamic problem is formulated based on the linear theory of fluid and the structural response is analyzed based on the thin plate theory. The FEM truncates the unbounded fluid domain by introducing an artificial boundary surface, thus defining a finite computational domain. At this boundary surface an impedance boundary conditions are applied so that no wave reflections occur. In the proposed scheme, all of the procedures are processed directly in time domain, which is efficient for nonlinear analyses of structure floating on unbounded fluid. Numerical results indicate acceptable accuracy of the proposed method.     

顺应式海洋平台慢漂运动物理模型试验研究

为研究顺应式海洋平台慢漂运动的影响因素,以截断圆柱和漂浮方箱为例进行了不规则波作用下的慢漂运动模型试验。测量了不同系泊刚度条件下的漂浮方箱以及相同系泊刚度条件下的截断圆柱和漂浮方箱在静水中自由衰减运动和在不规则波中的运动响应,并将运动响应分解成一阶波频运动响应和二阶低频运动响应,分析了系泊刚度和浮体形状对浮体运动的影响。通过物理模型试验发现了系泊刚度及浮体形状对顺应式系泊浮体一阶运动标准差和二阶低频运动平均漂移值和标准差的关系。结果表明由于顺应式浮体的固有周期远离波浪谱峰周期时,系泊刚度以及浮体形状对慢漂运动的一阶运动响应影响不大;二阶低频运动相对偏离平衡位置的平均值和标准差均随系泊刚度增大而减小,浮体形状同样对慢漂运动的二阶低频纵荡运动响应影响较大。试验结果为实际海洋工程的外形选择和系泊刚度选择提供数据支持。