Similarity method for modelling hydroelastic offshore platforms

Similarity methods provide a very powerful technique for modelling offshore platforms. Such methods are preferable for situations where the wave-structure interaction process is complex, and its modelling cannot be expressed by rigorous mathematical formulations.In modelling the interaction between waves and an offshore platform, the dynamic properties of the wave and structure must be considered together to determine the similitude parameters. The paper gives details of such an investigation using a frequency response function approach. Three different models, which are termed general, distorted and nondistorted Froudian models, are developed. From the general model, it was found that the velocity scales of the wave and structure could be treated differently. Internal and external force scales could also be different. It is observed then that a restrictive modelling criterion is used when the velocity scale of a structure is obtained from Froudian scale modelling. Furthermore, detailed scales for practical use are developed. The model parameters for an acrylic plastic tripod tower platform with length scales of 1/50 and 1/70 are given, and the accuracy involved among the three models determined for these scales. The sensitivity of the results to slight variations in thickness and Young's modulus are also discussed.     

An experimental approach to evaluate the structural performance of a jacket launch barge

The structural performance of a launch barge in load-out and launching of an offshore steel jacket is the crucial criterion of its designs. The overall bending of the hull girder subjected to the design load form the main theme of the study. In this paper, approach of physical modelling has been adopted to study the problem in the content of a case study which is oriented to establish, in general terms, the model design principles, the role of similitude and the simulation of the various loading cases. With considerable sophistication of the techniques of experimental stress analysis, large scale problems (of which the present study is an example in the area of offshore structures) can be efficiently tackled. It is seen that such experimental approach can efficiently serve as an adjunct to computational model, in addition to the visual qualities of this approach which is of much interest to the practising engineer.     

Similitude engineering—ocean structure interaction

Various types of ocean structures are used for the exploration and exploitation of ocean resources in the hydrospace. Reproduction of ocean structure and simulation of ocean parameters in the process of model testing is important in the similitude engineering technique. The prediction of the behaviour of the prototype depends on the usage of appropriate model laws. Adoption of one or two model laws becomes inevitable in certain cases while conducting hydrodynamic testing. This paper presents the details of the experiments envisaged with the facility available at Ocean Engineering Centre, I.I.T., Madras, India. The limitations imposed on the model structure due to the usage of model laws and the methods adopted to overcome the same are discussed. Based on this, the probable candidate materials for the modelling for experimentation is also highlighted.     

Similitude of the hydraulic model experiment for tidal mixing

The treatment of diffusion due to the tidal current in the near-shore ocean, and the similitude in the hydraulic model experiment are studied.In broad and shallow tidal bays and in the coastal seawaters near irregular boundaries, horizontal eddy-currents induced geometrically and turbulence caused by their cascading have predominant effect on dispersion of river and waste waters. These turbulent diffusion processes are similarly reproduced in the Froude models of turbulent resume, by adding the similitude for the self-similar structure of the spectral density of turbulence, or the eddy diffusivity. The similitude means to take the scale ratios of the time and the vertical length as the two-thirds power of the scale ratio of the horizontal length.Similitudes are also derived for the system of the gravitational circulation, the stratification and the salt-mass transport in partially and well-mixed estuaries. Generally, the vertical eddy diffusivity must be exaggerated by a half power of the model distortion externally by some methods of agitation. When the tidal bay is broad and very shallow, the Rayleigh number and the Hansen number are small, and the effect of density current and stratification on the flushing is small. Instead the effect of local eddies, geometrically induced tidal residual circulations become predominant. In this special case, there is no need to satisfy the similitude for density difference and vertical shear effects on dispersion.     

Bashi channel,Luzon strait: A hydraulic model experiment of the tidal current

Bottom current conditions due to tidal currents in the area of the Bashi Channel, Luzon Strait, are examined using a scaled hydraulic model in a uni-directional flow channel. The geometrical model is scaled in both the similitude of Froude's Number and the similitude of the four-thirds power law of eddy viscosity. The currents obtained from the experiment seem to be consistent in order of magnitude with the estimated currents based on observations made by Offshore Environmental System Ltd. In a quasi-steady tidal phase, formation of a strong core flow is found in the Bashi Channel. It can be explained by a simple theoretical model in which the formation of the strong current is attributed to the submarine topography of the Luzon Strait.     

Recent contributions of geotechnical centrifuge modelling to the understanding of jack-up spudcan behaviour

The paper presents an overview of the recent contributions of centrifuge modelling to the understanding of soil-structure interaction and the development of design and predictive methods in the field of mobile jack-up drilling rig foundations. Both advantages and limitations of the centrifuge methods are detailed and key examples are presented. The benefits provided by centrifuge modelling to the development of analysis methods that are now being used within the jack-up industry are highlighted. To conclude, industry trends and research opportunities are discussed, as is the possible role of the geotechnical centrifuge in finding solutions to these new needs.     

板翼动力锚沉贯深度模型试验研究

板翼动力锚是依靠自重完成安装并靠自重和海床土的抗力来锚固的新型动力锚。板翼动力锚高速(15~25 m/s)贯入地基过程中涉及到高应变率、流固耦合、土体软化和大变形等难题,模型试验可避免上述计算困难,能直接得出不同的贯入速度所对应的沉贯深度。本文首先推导了模型相似关系,然后在常规重力条件下,进行了两组26个工况的板翼动力锚在均质黏土中动力安装过程的模型试验,根据试验结果确定了率效应参数的取值范围,并研究了每一项受力对沉贯深度的影响。最后提出了在均质黏土中预测板翼动力锚沉贯深度的经验公式。     

Key issues in the particle method for computation of wave breaking

The Lagrangian particle method is a superior tool for the modelling of violent behavior of the water surface, such as wave breaking and overtopping. To further develop the numerical wave flume by the particle method, there remain several issues: modelling of the sub-particle-scale turbulence, modelling of the gas-phase behavior, modelling of movable bed (sediment transport), and modelling of floating bodies. In this paper, the sub-particle-scale turbulence model, the solid–liquid and liquid–gas two-phase-flow models, and the floating-bodies model, which have been developed by the authors, are reviewed to present the performance of the particle method in a computation of wave breaking.     

Experiments of wave-driven soil transport in clay beds

The physical processes of instability and soil mass transport in a soft clay bed by waves were quantitatively reproduced and measured in a laboratory soil-wave tank. Soft clays behave like plasto-elastic materials and dissipate wave energy quickly. Waves destroy clay fabrics gradually and soften clay. Waves induce mass transport of clay in the clay bed. The clay mass transport increases with wave energy. The Froude-Mach similitude is applied to the experimental data to hindcast the soil mass transport caused by Hurricane Camille in 1969.     

Nourishment design and evaluation: applicability of model concepts

Models can play a fundamental role while moving from nourishment projects to nourishment plans, i.e., when nourishment becomes an integral component of a coastal management strategy. Planning nourishment in the context of a multi-years management strategy requires more significant prediction skills than available in the past and an awareness of dealing with uncertainty. The present paper introduces model classes and modelling situations and describes those elements that are the main sources of such uncertainty. Equilibrium Profile (EP) and Depth of Closure (DoC) are discussed with their time-scale related aspects; granulometry changes are discussed with their effects on the dynamics of a nourished coast; estimation of erosion rate is introduced with its implications on the definition of the “basic state” or the “basic trend” of the coastal system; lateral spreading and beach fill transition are discussed with their economic implications; and calibration and verification are introduced with the additional degrees of freedom that might be added to model development and with reference to risk issues in decision-making. These sources of uncertainty are examined in relation with implications for nourishment and modelling. The main conclusion is that, while there have been significant advances in modelling morphodynamics and morphodynamics applied to nourishment design, advances in defining procedures for quality control of the modelling activity are now required.     

海洋浮游生态系统动力学模式的研究

分析了海洋浮游生态系统动力学模式的结构,讨论了其研究现状。９０年代以来海洋浮游生态系统动力学模式的特点是：状态变量的个数较以前有所增加,从２－４个增加至３－７个生物过程的描述更加细致;注意刻画物理过程的作用,特别是垂直方向上湍流的交换作用;利用或改进原来的模式,研究新问题;模式仍以一维为主,同时三维耦合模式也得取发展和应用;区域仍以北大西洋为主,也出现了研究赤道太平洋、阿拉伯海、东海等海区的工作。     

多方向不规则波传播变形数值模拟

在推广的缓坡方程数学模型基础上建立了多方向不规则波数学模型,综合考虑了波浪折射、绕射、反射、底摩擦和风能输入等因素。基于线性波浪理论,将波浪方向谱在频率和方向上按等能量分割法离散后,分别计算各组成波的传播变形,再计算合成波要素。缓坡方程数学模型采用改进的ADI法求解,计算效率高,稳定性好。采用椭圆形浅滩不规则波模型试验结果和单突堤不规则波绕射理论解对数学模型进行了验证,数值模拟结果和试验值及理论解符合良好。利用该模型进行了某港港内波浪折射、绕射和反射的联合数值模拟,给出了合理的港内波高分布。     

海洋环流和潮,余流数值计算中海区内较小尺度建筑物的一种处理方法

在海洋流场数值计算中，当流场中建筑物尺度相对平面网格步长太小时，计算中难以引进其作用，在所得计算结果中难以反映其影响。本文依据流量连续、能量守恒规律，通过水力学物模实验，求得建筑物存在情况下的谢才系数Ｃ，解决了计算中的难题。     

Examining fault architecture and strain distribution using geospatial and geomechanical modelling: An example from the Qaidam basin,NE Tibet

The investigation of complex geological setting is still dominated by traditional geo-data collection and analytical techniques, e.g., stratigraphic logging, dip data measurements, structural ground mapping, seismic interpretation, balance section restoration, forward modelling, etc. Despite the advantages of improving our understanding in structural geometry and fault architecture, the geospatial modelling, applying computer-aided three-dimensional geometric design, visualization and interpretation, has rarely been applied to such complex geological setting. This study used the Lenghu fold-and-thrust belt (in Qaidam basin, NE Tibetan Plateau) to demonstrate that the application of geospatial and geomechanical modelling could improve our understanding and provide an effective technique for investigating the fault architecture and strain distribution. The three-dimensional configuration of the Lenghu fold-and-thrust belt was initially derived from traditional analysis techniques, such as regional stratigraphic logging, cross section construction, meso-scale ground mapping and landsat image interpretation. The high-resolution field data and landsat image were integrated to construct the geospatial model, which was subsequently used to quantitatively investigate the fault throw changes along the Lenghu thrust fault zone and to understand its control on the lateral structural variation. The geospatial model was then restored in three dimensions to reveal the kinematic evolution of the Lenghu fold-and-thrust belt. Geomechanical modelling, using a Mass-Spring algorithm, provided an effective three-dimensional tool for structural strain analysis, which was used to predict the strain distribution throughout the overall structure, e.g., normal faults with throws ranging from meters to tens of meters in the hanging-wall. The strain distribution predicted by geomechanical modelling was then validated by the natural normal faults in the hanging-wall. The high accordance between the strain prediction and statistics of natural normal faults demonstrates good applicability of geospatial and geomechanical modelling in the complex geological setting of the Lenghu fold-and-thrust belt. The geospatial models and geomechanical models, therefore, can provide a robust technique for analyzing and interpreting multi-source data within a three-dimensional environment. We anticipate that the application of three-dimensional geospatial modelling and geomechanical modelling, integrating both multi-source geologic data and three-dimensional analytical techniques, can provide an effective workflow for investigating the fault architecture and strain distribution at different scales (e.g., ranging from regional-to meso-scale).     

2-D and 3-D modelling of wide-angle seismic data: an example from the Vøring volcanic passive margin

This study presents the modelling of 2-D and 3-D wide-angle seismic data acquired on the complex, volcanic passive margin of the Vøring Plateau, off Norway. Three wide-angle seismic profiles were shot and recorded simultaneously by 21 Ocean Bottom Seismometers, yielding a comprehensive 3-D data set, in addition to the three in-line profiles. Coincident multi-channel seismic profiles are used to better constrain the modelling, but the Mesozoic and deeper structures are poorly imaged due to the presence of flood basalts and sills. Velocity modelling reveals an unexpectedly large 30 km basement high hidden below the flood basalt. When interpreted as a 2-D structure, this basement high produces a modelled gravity anomaly in disagreement with the observed gravity. However, both the gravity and the seismic data suggest that the structure varies in all three directions. The modelling of the entire 3-D set of travel times leads to a coherent velocity structure that confirms the basement high; it also shows that the abrupt transition to the slower Cretaceous basin coincides in position and orientation with the fault system forming the Rån Ridge. The positive gravity anomaly over the Rån Ridge originates from the focussed and coincident elevation of the high velocity lower crust and pre-Cretaceous basement. Although the Moho is not constrained by the seismic data, the gravity modelled from the 3-D velocity model shows a better fit along the profiles. This study illustrates the interest of a 3-D acquisition of wide-angle seismic over complex structures and the benefit of the subsequent integrated interpretation of the seismic and gravity data.     

Mathematical simulation of the bio-optical state of water in application to the passive probing problem

The method of bio-optical modelling of seawater is discussed in application to the passive remote sensing of an ocean within the optical wavelength range. The model implies the presence of two hydrobiological characteristics in the algorithm for the spectral composition of upward radiation, namely the phytoplankton pigment concentration and the total particulate organic matter. The method has been thoroughly tested. The data provided byin situ measurements in the areas accommodating waters of different types (from Case 1 and Case 2) and the modelling results, with the errors being considered, are in good agreement.Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Modelling the long-term distribution of significant wave height with the Beta and Gamma models

The paper suggests modelling the long-term distribution of significant wave height with the Gamma, Beta of the first and second kind models. The three models are interrelated, flexible and cover the three different tail types of Extreme Value Theory. They can be used simultaneously as a means of assessing the uncertainty effects that result from choosing equally plausible models with different tail types. This procedure is intended for those applications that require the long-term distribution of significant wave height as input rather than the prediction of extreme values. The models are fitted to some significant wave data as an illustration. Details about maximum likelihood estimation are given in A.     

基于HUST-Ship的船舶耐波性数值试验水池参数化建模方法研究

基于自研的HUST-Ship黏性流CFD求解器,提出了一种船舶耐波性数值试验水池参数化建模方法和网格生成技术。在自研的CFD软件平台中,根据波浪参数(规则波的波长、波高和不规则波的特征周期、有效波高)自动生成船舶耐波性数值试验水池。以结构化重叠网格技术为基础,分别对船舶与水池进行网格划分并进行网格的组装、重叠,实现船舶在耐波性数值试验水池中的数值“试验”,对船舶耐波性进行数值预报。根据波浪种类分为规则波数值试验水池与不规则波数值试验水池,可对各类波浪条件实现精确可靠的数值造波,模拟船舶在各种波浪环境中运动响应、耐波性事件与非线性运动特性。采用参数化建模方法生成的耐波性数值试验水池能够提高建模和网格生成效率,通过对国际标模进行数值预报并与船模试验结果对比,验证了参数化建模方法生成的耐波性数值试验水池对船舶在波浪中运动性能的计算精度。