Optimization design on the riser system of next generation subsea production system with the assistance of DOE and surrogate model techniques

The Next Generation Subsea Production System (NextGen SPS) is a new concept for petroleum development in ultra-deep water (UDW) areas. It can improve the structural performance of riser as well as provide several operational benefits to subsurface well completion (SWC) equipment. The design of NextGen SPS’s riser system which includes rigid riser and flexible jumper—like the free standing hybrid riser (FSHR), is a very important issue for the definition of NextGen SPS. This paper details an optimization design on the NextGen SPS’s riser system, with the assistance of the design of experiments (DOE) and surrogate model techniques. The optimization model pertaining to riser system is formulated firstly. The DOE is a statistical technique that guides a sensitive study on the behavior of the riser system before the optimization analysis. Structural responses are obtained by the fully coupled methodology. Through such a preliminary study, the effective contribution of each design variable at the riser performance will be known and some general conclusive remarks will be obtained. Based on the DOE results, design variables are screened to improve the efficiency of optimization process. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is employed to conduct the optimization analysis. In this analysis, surrogate models, which are developed by back propagation neural network (BPNN), replace the time consuming dynamic analysis to predict structural responses. Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) method is adopted to generate training sample and testing sample for the BPNN. NextGen SPS that operates at a depth of 3000 m is used as the case for this investigation. The efficiency of optimization design is improved by DOE and surrogate techniques, and a reduction of approximately 46% for the riser system cost is achieved. The obtained conclusions have applicability in reference to the engineering design of FSHR and the study procedure will provide reference for study on other new structure concept.     

内孤立波作用下柔性跨接管动力性能研究

活跃在中国南海的内孤立波已经成为该地区海洋油气资源开发中不得不考虑的因素。跨接管作为连接水下油气储存开采设施与海面油气处理设施的重要装置,由于具有较大柔性,由内孤立波引起的剪切海流将会对其产生巨大影响。采用KdV方程对内孤立波进行模拟,基于向量式有限元法,建立了柔性跨接管的动力学分析模型,对不同方向内孤立波作用下的跨接管的动力性能进行分析。分析结果表明在内孤立波作用下,跨接管存在一个明显的动力过程,能够导致跨接管产生较大的位置移动及其整体位置的抬升,同时跨接管对于内孤立波的入射角十分敏感,其内力可能发生突然变化。内孤立波的振幅对跨接管的极值响应有显著影响。     

Stochastic Analysis of Short-Term Structural Responses and Fatigue Damages of A Submerged Tension Leg Platform Wind Turbine in Wind and Waves

In connection with the design of floating wind turbines, stochastic dynamic analysis is a critical task considering nonlinear wind and wave forces. To study the random structural responses of a newly designed submerged tension leg platform(STLP) wind turbine, a set of dynamic simulations and comparison analysis with the MIT/NREL TLP wind turbine are carried out. The signal filter method is used to evaluate the mean and standard deviations of the structural response. Furthermore, the extreme responses are estimated by using the mean upcrossing rate method. The fatigue damages for blade root, tower, and mooring line are also studied according to the simulated time-series. The results and comparison analysis show that the STLP gives small surge and pitch motions and mooring line tensions in operational sea states due to the small water-plane area. Additionally, in severe sea states, the STLP gives lower extreme values of platform pitch, slightly larger surge and heave motions and better towerbase and mooring line fatigue performances than those of the MIT/NREL TLP. It is found that the STLP wind turbine has good performances in structural responses and could be a potential type for exploiting the wind resources located in deep waters.     

风机基础TLP平台在波浪中运动性能的CFD数值分析

随着海上风能的开发向深水发展,支撑风机的载体平台越来越受到关注。在经济性与安全性、稳定性的多重要求下,张力腿平台（TLP）在海洋风能资源的开发中体现出了重要地位。采用基于开源平台OpenFOAM开发的计算流体动力学（CFD）水动力学求解器naoe-FOAM-SJTU对一座处于中等水深下的风机基础水下TLP（STLP）的运动响应进行了数值模拟与研究。文中使用弹簧锚链模型模拟STLP的垂向系泊锁链系统,模拟该平台在不同波浪环境下的运动响应情况。首先将STLP单自由度自由衰减CFD模拟结果与已有全耦合时域分析结果进行对比,验证了naoe-FOAM-SJTU求解器及使用弹簧模型模拟STLP系泊系统的准确性与可靠性。随后在考虑非线性波浪载荷的情况下研究极端海况下与一般作业海况下STLP的运动响应情况,计算工况中的风机基础所受弯矩及锚链受力情况,并详细展示流场、速度场信息,分析高阶波浪成分、不同海况等条件对于STLP运动性能的影响。研究结果表明,TLP在中等水深中具有良好的运动性能,naoe-FOAM-SJTU求解器可以有效模拟水中生产平台在波浪环境下的水动力问题,并可以对整个流场进行可视化展示与分析。     

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.     

A Modified Quasi-Static Method for CALM System Analysis

The quasi-static analysis method introduced by API RP 2P is well known and accepted as a very useful mooring analysis method. In the early design stage, this method is widely used for preliminary analysis and mooring parameter selection. However, the quasi-static method of API RP 2P is developed for single-floating-body condition, i. e., only one floating body is considered in the computation procedure. Difficulties arise when it is used for the analysis of a CALM system, which is comprised of two floating bodies (tanker and buoy). This paper presents an analysis procedure for a two-floating-body system based on the quasi-static procedure of API RP 2P with some modifications reflecting special characteristics of the CALM system. Finally, the analysis results of a CALM system are given to illustrate the use of this procedure.     

On dynamic coupling effects between a spar and its mooring lines

The responses of a spar constrained by slack mooring lines to steep ocean waves and tensions in the mooring lines are simulated using two different numerical schemes: a quasi-static approach (SMACOS) and a coupled dynamic approach (COUPLE). The two approaches are the same in computing wave loads on the structure. Their difference is in modeling dynamic forces of mooring lines; that is the dynamic forces are included in the computation of COUPLE but neglected in SMACOS. The numerical simulation is examined against the laboratory measurements of the JIP Spar in a water depth of 318 m. The dynamic coupling effects between the JIP Spar and its mooring lines in different water depths (318, 618 and 1018 m) are investigated by the comparison of numerical simulations obtained using the quasi-static and coupled dynamic approaches. It is found that the damping of mooring lines reduces the slow-drift surge and pitch of the Spar, especially in deep water. The reduction in the amplitude of slow-drift surge can reach about 10% in a water depth of 1018 m. The tension in mooring lines may greatly increase in the wave frequency range when dynamic forces in mooring lines are considered. The mooring-line tension in the wave frequency range predicted by the coupled dynamic approach can be eight times as great as the corresponding prediction by the quasi-static approach in a water depth of 1018 m. This finding may have important implications for the estimation of the fatigue strength and life span of the mooring lines deployed in deep water oceans.     

Response analysis and optimum configuration of a modular floating structure with flexible connectors

In the present paper, a numerical analysis framework evaluating the connectors’ internal loads of a modular Pontoon type Floating Structure (PFS) as well as for identifying the PFS's optimum configuration under the action of regular waves is developed and presented. The PFS consists of flexible floating modules (pontoons) connected with flexible connectors in longitudinal and/or transverse directions. The numerical analysis framework includes: (a) a frequency domain ‘wet’ hydroelastic analysis for computing the PFS's ‘wet’ hydroelastic response and the connectors’ internal loads and (b) a genetic algorithms based optimization process for identifying the optimum configuration of the PFS considering predefined performance criteria. Different configurations of the PFS under the action of normal and oblique waves are taken into account, considering different number and layout of modules (grid type) and different values of the connectors’ rotational stiffness. The effect of the connector's rotational stiffness and the grid type of the PFS on the hydroelastic response and on the connectors’ internal loads is analyzed. For specific wave field characteristics, the optimum design configuration of the PFS is identified through the aforementioned optimization process in terms of performance criteria related to: (a) the vertical hydroelastic response at any predefined point of the deck of the PFS and (b) the internal loads of the PFS's connectors. The results obtained demonstrate the complex relationship between the internal loads of the connectors and the hydroelastic response of the examined PFS configurations with the connectors’ rotational stiffness and the PFS's grid type as well as with the excitation. They also demonstrate the applicability of the developed numerical analysis framework in order to properly direct the PFS's design towards a most preferable optimum configuration.     

Numerical modeling on hydrodynamic performance of a bottom-hinged flap wave energy converter

The hydrodynamic performance of a bottom-hinged flap wave energy converter(WEC) is investigated through a frequency domain numerical model.The numerical model is verified through a two-dimensional analytic solution,as well as the qualitative analysis on the dynamic response of avibrating system.The concept of "optimum density" of the bottom-hinged flap is proposed,and its analytic expression is derived as well.The frequency interval in which the optimum density exists is also obtained.The analytic expression of the optimum linear damping coefficient is obtained by a bottom-hinged WEC.Some basic dynamic properties involving natural period,excitation moment,pitch amplitude,and optimum damping coefficient are analyzed and discussed in detail.In addition,this paper highlights the analysis of effects on the conversion performance of the device exerted by some important parameters.The results indicate that "the optimum linear damping period of 5.0 s" is the most ideal option in the short wave sea states with the wave period below 6.0 s.Shallow water depth,large flap thickness and low flap density are advised in the practical design of the device in short wave sea states in order to maximize power capture.In the sea state with water depth of 5.0 m and wave period of 5.0 s,the results of parametric optimization suggest a flap with the width of 8.0 m,thickness of 1.6 m,and with the density as little as possible when the optimum power take-off(PTO) damping coefficient is adopted.     

Implementation of an expert system for the design of single-point, subsurface oceanographic moorings

The design of single-point, subsurface moorings is carried out a present by a design engineer with the help of some computer programs. These computer programs are used for analyzing the mooring, but the setting-up of the initial mooring configuration and the subsequent modifications on the basis of the results of the analysis are carried out by the design engineer.An expert system for mooring design is developed to eliminate the human expert from the design process and thus to enable a novice to design a mooring by himself. Using the expert system, an optimum least-weight in air design can be developed in much less time than is usually required in conventional procedures. Perhaps the most significant advantage is that the system can serve as a vehicle for effective transfer of present day expertise for future applications.The system is developed and implemented on an IBM PC/AT. It has a user-friendly, interactive, menu-driven input procedure and a sophisticated output facility. The design process is totally automated and the requirement to consult a human expert is easily eliminated. The system has tremendous flexibility and a knowledge engineer can easily adapt it to the specific requirements of a particular user. The concept of machine learning is introduced by recording the failure data and using this information in the later decision-making processes. A CAD package, AUTOCAD, is used to generate the drawings and an interface is developed between the CAD package and the expert system so that the former is transparent to the user.     

A Study on the Dynamic Analysis of A Tracked Vehicle for Ocean Mining on the Deep Seabed

1 .IntroductionOnthedeepseabed ,30 0 0～ 50 0 0mbelowthePacificOcean ,manganesenodulesaresolidifiedandspread ,andmanycountriesintheworldarestudyinghowtominethem .AccordingtoYamazakietal.( 1 998)andAmannetal.( 1 991 ) ,theenvironmentofthedeepseabedisdifferentfromthedrylandinmanyways .Inparticular,thesurfaceoftheseabedisverysoft.Inordertoensuretheperformanceofrunningofamanganesenodulemineronsuchasoftsurface ,thetrackedvehiclemaybeapplied .Ac cordingtoHongandChoi ( 2 0 0 1 ) ,astudyisbeingdone…     

海上风力发电单立柱支撑结构拟静力分析

海上风电支撑结构不同于一般海洋结构物,它受到复杂的风机气动荷载、机械控制荷载和海洋环境荷载的多重作用。文章针对海上某单立柱风电支撑结构,通过分析其结构固有频率的约束限制以及外环境荷载的动力特性,综合考虑外环境荷载尤其是风机荷载的动力放大影响,给出海上单立柱风电支撑结构的拟静力分析思路。并进行极端及操作工况下支撑结构在风、浪、流环境荷载组合作用的应力计算和强度分析。提出该种结构在使用现有海洋结构物设计规范和风机设计规范时的注意事项。该分析比较结果及结论可作为海上类似风电支撑结构的设计参考。     

Dynamic Analysis of Deep-Ocean Mining Pipe System by Discrete Element Method

The dynamic analysis of a pipe system is one of the most crucial problems for the entire mining system.A discrete element method(DEM)is proposed for the analysis of a deep-ocean mining pipe system,including the lift pipe,pump,buffer and flexible hose.By the discrete element method,the pipe is divided into some rigid elements that are linked by flexible connectors.First,two examples representing static analysis and dynamic analysis respectively are given to show that the DEM model is feasible.Then the three-dimensional DEM model is used for dynamic analysis of the mining pipe system.The dynamic motions of the entire mining pipe system under different work conditions are discussed.Some suggestions are made for the actual operation of deep-ocean mining systems.     

一种动态P2P网络监测系统

重点研究P2P监测子网的动态自组织方法，通过对等点资源度量，优选汇聚节点，以适应P2P网络环境的动态变化。该方法有助于提高P2P监测系统的可靠性，降低网络监测成本。     

Helicity in dynamic atmospheric processes

An overview on the helicity of the velocity field and the role played by this concept in modern research in the field of geophysical fluid dynamics and dynamic meteorology is given. Different (both previously known in the literature and first presented) formulations of the equation of helicity balance in atmospheric motions (including those with allowance for effects of air compressibility and Earth’s rotation) are brought together. Equations and relationships are given which are valid in different approximations accepted in dynamic meteorology: Boussinesq approximation, quasi-static approximation, and quasi-geostrophic approximation. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of helicity budget in large-scale quasi-geostrophic systems of motion; a formula for the helicity flux across the upper boundary of the nonlinear Ekman boundary layer is given, and this flux is shown to be exactly compensated for by the helicity destruction inside the Ekman boundary layer.     

Dynamic Analysis and Numerical Simulation of a Kind of Arrestor Arresting Buckle Propagation by FEM

For exact estimation of efficiency of a buckle arrestor,it is necessary to take the effect ofstructural inertia into account in the analysis of buckle propagation on elastic structures after meetingarrestors.Under this consideration,this paper deals with the dynamics of buckle arrest and its numerica1simulation on the basis of the beam system model used by Chater and Hutchinson(1983).The FEM com-bined with an improving arc-length control method is adopted to solve the dynamic equations describingthe arresting of buckle propagation. A new group of parameters for arrestor design which differs greatlyfrom that by the quasi-static analysis is obtained.The present results support the conclusion that the iner-tia of the beam cannot be neglected in such analysis.     

The significance of earthquake-induced dynamic forces in coastal structures design

The dynamic forces of sea water and backfill soil acting on coastal embankments and the hydrodynamic forces on offshore breakwaters have been analyzed using a finite-difference scheme. A non-horizontal sea bottom is considered in the analysis. Both rigid and flexible embankments are included in the study. For a coastal embankment, the hydrodynamic pressure of sea water acting on the embankment face significantly increases as the slope of the sea bottom increases. On the other side of the embankment, the pore pressure and the interaction force between the soil and fluid will augment significantly when the backfill soil is compressed during earthquakes. When the sea-embankment-backfill soil interaction is included, the dynamic forces acting on a flexible embankment are much larger than those on a rigid one. The comparison of evaluating the sliding of a cassion in a case study of SPM by a conventional analysis and the present seismic analysis was made. The earthquake-induced dynamic pressures on both sides of the embankment (or breakwater) could be much larger than the force generated by the storm surge. The hydrodynamic (or seismic) analysis incorporating the effect of an earthquake should be included in the coastal embankment or offshore breakwater design, especially for the area with active earthquakes.     

Nonlinear coupled dynamics analysis of a truss spar platform

Accurate prediction of the offshore structure motion response and associate mooring line tension is important in both technical applications and scientific research. In our study, a truss spar platform, operated in Gulf of Mexico, is numerically simulated and analyzed by an in-house numerical code ‘COUPLE'. Both the platform motion responses and associated mooring line tension are calculated and investigated through a time domain nonlinear coupled dynamic analysis. Satisfactory agreement between the simulation and corresponding field measurements is in general reached, indicating that the numerical code can be used to conduct the time-domain analysis of a truss spar interacting with its mooring and riser system. Based on the comparison between linear and nonlinear results, the relative importance of nonlinearity in predicting the platform motion response and mooring line tensions is assessed and presented. Through the coupled and quasi-static analysis, the importance of the dynamic coupling effect between the platform hull and the mooring/riser system in predicting the mooring line tension and platform motions is quantified. These results may provide essential information pertaining to facilitate the numerical simulation and design of the large scale offshore structures.