Experimental Investigation on Hydrodynamic Behavior of the Geometric Spar Platform

1.IntroductionThe spar technology has been used off shore for many years in applications such as research ves-sels,communicationrelaystations,andstorage and offloading platformslikethe Brent spar(Downieetal.,2000;Incecik,2000;Marcioet al.,2003).In1996,the…     

Effect of slowly varying drift forces on the motion characteristics of truss spar platforms

Spar platform has been regarded as a competitive floating structure for deep and ultra deep water oil and gas production. In this paper, an efficient methodology has been developed to determine the slow motion responses of slender floating offshore structures due to wave forces. Based on this methodology, a MATLAB program named ‘TRSPAR’ was developed to predict the dynamic responses in time domain and it was used in this study to obtain the numerical results of a typical truss spar platform connected to sea bed using nine taut mooring lines. The difference frequency forces were calculated using the principles of the extension of Morison equation for an inclined cylinder and the wave kinematics were predicted using hyperbolic extrapolation. Mooring lines were modelled as nonlinear springs and their stiffness was obtained by conducting the static offset simulation. Because of the lack of detailed calculations in literature, most of the equations used were derived and presented in this paper. The effects of the different sources of the second order difference frequency forces were compared for inertia and drag forces in terms of response spectra. To validate the TRSPAR code, its results were compared to results of a typical truss spar model test.     

The effect of nonlinear multi-contact coupling with gap between risers and guide frames on global spar motion analysis

Nonlinear multi-contact coupling between vertical risers and guide frames inside the spar moon-pool is studied. The existing numerical model for hull/mooring/riser coupled dynamics analysis treats riser as an elastic rod truncated at the keel (truncated riser model), and the risers are free to slide in vertical direction with constant tension, while restricted in horizontal direction. The truncated riser model neglects the portion of the riser inside the moon-pool and tends to overestimate the spar pitch motion. In the newly developed model, the risers are extended through the moon-pool with realistic boundary conditions at multiple guide frames, and thus additional contact forces and moments on the spar hull are considered. The gap effects between the riser buoyancy-cans and riser guide frames are also modeled using three different types of gap springs. Their different dynamic characteristics are extensively studied. The new riser model also considers the Coulomb damping between buoyancy-cans and riser guide frames and also allows the impact-like contact force calculation on risers for ensuring fatigue analysis.     

Design analysis of a truss pontoon semi-submersible concept in deep water

Truss pontoon semi-submersible (TPS) is a new offshore structure concept in industry, where a truss spar is used to create the added mass by the heave plates. In the present paper, the effect of the heave plates on the vertical motion of the floating structure is demonstrated. A TPS is analyzed by utilizing the linear diffraction theory as well as the linear part of the Morison equation. The close agreement of the analysis results with the experimental results suggests that the simplified Morison equation can be used for the present analysis without sacrificing the quality of the results. However, good engineering judgment is required for estimating the values of the hydrodynamic coefficients as well as the amount of damping introduced in the structure. It is also found that the heave plates indeed introduce large added mass and considerable damping in the system motion in the vertical direction such that the resonant oscillation becomes less of a problem. This suggests that the TSP concept may have merits as a heave-controlled floating production structure in the deepwater development.     

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.     

一种水驱剩余油物模实验相似转化方法数模验证

在水驱剩余油物理模拟实验研究中,目前提出了一种新的相似转化方法,即通过运动速度（渗流真实速度）相等求取的物模实验排量,在岩心物性、流体性质相似,几何尺寸成比例的不同物理模型中驱替,其剩余油分布规律及开采效果相似,该规律是文中相似方法的核心规律,它可以有效地应用到室内物理模型实验对矿场剩余油分布规律的研究中去.此文重点考虑了重力、毛管力对运动速度相似转化方法的影响与修正,并设计了20余套数值模拟方案,验证了这种方法的准确性及实用性.     

深海立柱式平台概念设计研究

以上海交通大学海洋工程国家重点实验室提出的多柱桁架式立柱平台(Cell-Truss Spar)概念为例,对Spar平台的概念设计方法和过程进行了初步的研究,并对其水动力性能进行理论和数值计算,分析一些影响Spar平台运动性能的参数。设计涉及到两方面的问题:一是设计方法、流程以及结构物的形式;二是水动力性能。整个设计流程是一个不断循环的交互式的过程,需要考虑很多方面因素的影响。     

A study of spar buoy floating breakwater

A floating breakwater produces less environmental impact, but is easily destroyed by large waves. In this paper, the spar buoy floating breakwater is introduced with a study on the wave reflection and transmission characteristics and mooring line tension induced by the waves. Mei (The Applied Dynamics of Ocean Surface Waves, Wiley, New York (1983) 740 p) proposed a theoretical solution for the reflection and transmission coefficients as the wave propagates through a one-layer slotted barrier. For a multiple-layer fence system, the analytical solution is proposed linearly. The results show that the theoretical computations agree well with the experimental trends. For a multiple-layer fence system, the transmission coefficients become maximal as the layer spacing to wavelength ratio moves to 1/2. Conversely, the coefficients become minimal, as the ratio moves to 0.3. To estimate the maximum tension of the mooring line, both numerical calculations and laboratory experiments were executed. The numerical calculation results were similar to the experimental results.     

Development of an adaptive disturbance rejection system for the rapidly deployable stable platform–part 1: Mathematical modeling and open loop response

A Rapidly Deployable Stable Platform (RDSP) concept was investigated at Florida Atlantic University in response to military and civilian needs for ocean platforms with improved sea-keeping characteristics. The RDSP is designed to have enhanced sea-keeping abilities through the combination of a novel hull and thruster design coupled with active control. The RDSP is comprised of a catamaran that attaches via a hinge to a spar, enabling it to transit like a trimaran and then reconfigure so that the spar lifts the catamaran out of the water, creating a stable spar platform. The focus of this research is the mathematical modeling, simulation, and response characterization of the RDSP to provide a foundation for controller design, testing, and tuning. The mathematical model includes a detailed representation of residual drag, friction drag, added mass, hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure, and control actuator dynamics. Validation has been performed by comparing the simulation predicted motions of the RDSP operating in waves to the measured motions of the 1/10th scale prototype measured at sea. Resulting from this paper is an empirical assessment of the response characteristics of the RDSP that quantifies the performance under extreme conditions and provides a solid basis for controller development and testing.     

一种新型的Spar平台及其动力特性

介绍了一种新型的Spar平台。由于Spar平台属柔性连接结构,允许其在一定范围内运动,故二阶漂移力为系统稳定性的控制荷载,而线形波浪力则可导致系泊系统产生疲劳破坏。为此,文中结合分析此新型平台所受水动力特性,比较其相对于现有Spar平台的优势。由于浮筒位于水下一定深度处,新型平台所受线性波浪力和二阶波浪力均大幅度减小,尤其是后者可减至现有Spar平台受力的2%左右,所以大大地改善了平台的稳定性和系泊系统的抗疲劳破坏能力。由于在上部平台和浮筒之间增加了导管架,使得各模块间的连接点大大减小,从而又方便了海上施工作业。     

Design of Mooring System for Oil Storage Vessels

The floating oil storage system has been proposed as a new facility for Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in China. Mooring is one of the key technologies to ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of the oil storage system. This paper describes the concept, analysis, design and reliability of the mooring system. For mooring system design of these oil vessels, analysis is essential of the behavior of the vessel in connection with mooring facilities of nonlinear resilience. A nonlinear mathematical model for analyzing a moored vessel is established and solved. Some results of numerical simulations are presented. Assessment of the safety regarding the mooring system in terms of failure probability is carried out. Another simulation model for calculating the failure probability of the mooring system is proposed. The design parameters that have an influence on the characteristics of the failure probability have been identified. The simulation results show that the mooring system has an annual reliab     

南海海上溢油漂移扩散预测微机视算系统

应用科学计算可视化新技术，结合动力海洋学、计算数学、计算机图形学和计算机技术，以通用３８６微机作支持硬件系统，用ＭＳＦＯＲＴＲＡＮ语言、汇编语言和图形核心系统（ＧＫＳ）软件包，研制开发出南海海上溢油漂移扩散预测微机视算系统。该系统不仅能够利用南海风场和流场资料，按所选定的海上溢油漂移扩散计算模式模拟计算出海面溢油浓度分布情况，而且还能够把模拟计算结果以图形方式实时、动态地显示在屏幕上，从而形象、直观地看到溢油漂移扩散变化的全过程。     

LVP modeling and dynamic characteristics prediction of a hydraulic power unit in deep-sea

A hydraulic power unit(HPU) is the driving "heart" of deep-sea working equipment.It is critical to predict its dynamic performances in deep-water before being immerged in the seawater,while the experimental tests by simulating deep-sea environment have many disadvantages,such as expensive cost,long test cycles,and difficult to achieve low-temperature simulation,which is only used as a supplementary means for confirmatory experiment.This paper proposes a novel theoretical approach based on the linear varying parameters(LVP) modeling to foresee the dynamic performances of the driving unit.Firstly,based on the varying environment features,dynamic expressions of the compressibility and viscosity of hydraulic oil are derived to reveal the fluid performances changing.Secondly,models of hydraulic system and electrical system are accomplished respectively through studying the control process and energy transfer,and then LVP models of the pressure and flow rate control is obtained through the electro-hydraulic models integration.Thirdly,dynamic characteristics of HPU are obtained by the model simulating within bounded closed sets of varying parameters.Finally,the developed HPU is tested in a deep-sea imitating hull,and the experimental results are well consistent with the theoretical analysis outcomes,which clearly declare that the LVP modeling is a rational way to foresee dynamic performances of HPU.The research approach and model analysis results can be applied to the predictions of working properties and product designs for other deep-sea hydraulic pump.     

新型多柱桁架式Spar平台水动力性能研究

Spar平台以其较大的水深适应范围,较好的运动性能和稳定性,在深海油气资源开采中得到广泛的使用。随着技术的进步,各种新型的Spar平台形式不断涌现,其各方面的性能也得到大量的研究。结合前几代Spar平台形式的特点,提出了一种新型的多柱桁架式Spar平台概念,希望通过桁架的使用,保持Spar良好的运动和受力总体性能,同时采用多柱式的硬舱结构,降低建造难度和成本。并对该Spar平台的水动力特性,载荷以及运动响应进行了数值建模计算,分析结果表明,其运动响应较小,水动力性能良好。     

Wave response of a spar buoy with and without a damping plate

Report on a computer analysis of wave response of a spar buoy that has been operated successfully in the Mediterranean over the past ten years, to find out how the presence of a large horizontal plate at the bottom affects its wave response. The calculations show that the addition of a damping plate decreases have response for short waves but increases the response for very long waves.     

西非深水浮筒和穿梭油轮水动力性能分析

应用三维势流理论及非线性时域耦合分析方法,在西非双方向涌浪和波浪条件下对深水浮筒及穿梭油轮水动力性能进行了数值计算,并与水池模型试验对比。对单浮筒在作业、生存海况下的运动响应进行了准确预报,同时对浮筒和穿梭油轮连接原油外输作业时的波频运动、平面运动给出了合理分析;得到原油外输装置在西非深水海域环境下的水动力响应特性,为我国参与西非深水海洋油气开采提供技术建议。     

Internal inlet for wave generation and absorption treatment

A new method of implementing, in two-dimensional (2-D) Navier–Stokes equations, a numerical internal wave generation in the finite volume formulation is developed. To our knowledge, the originality of this model is on the specification of an internal inlet velocity defined as a source line for the generation of linear and non-linear waves. The use of a single cell to represent the source line and its transformation to an internal boundary condition proved to be an interesting alternative to the common procedure of adding a mass source term to the continuity equation within a multi-cell rectangular region. Given the reduction of the source domain to a one-dimensional region, this simple new type of source introduced less perturbation than the 2-D source type. This model was successfully implemented in the PHOENICS code (Parabolic Hyperbolic Or Elliptic Numerical Integration Code Series). In addition, the volume of fluid (VOF) fraction was used to describe the free surface displacements. A friction force term was added to the momentum transport equation in the vertical direction, in order to enhance wave damping, within relatively limited number of cells representing the sponge layers at the open boundaries. For monochromatic wave, propagating on constant water depth, numerical and analytical results showed good agreements for free surface profiles and vertical distribution of velocity components. For solitary wave simulation, the wave shape and velocity were preserved; while, small discrepancy in the tailing edge of the free surface profiles was observed. The suitability of this new numerical wave generation model for a two source lines extension was investigated and proven to be innovative. The comparisons between numerical, analytical and experimental results showed that the height of the merging waves was correctly reproduced and that the reflected waves do not interact with the source lines.     

Parametric Resonance Analyses for Spar Platform in Irregular Waves

The parametric instability of a spar platform in irregular waves is analyzed. Parametric resonance is a phenomenon that may occur when a mechanical system parameter varies over time. When it occurs, a spar platform will have excessive pitch motion and may capsize. Therefore, avoiding parametric resonance is an important design requirement. The traditional methodology includes only a prediction of the Mathieu stability with harmonic excitation in regular waves. However, real sea conditions are irregular, and it has been observed that parametric resonance also occurs in non-harmonic excitations. Thus, it is imperative to predict the parametric resonance of a spar platform in irregular waves. A Hill equation is derived in this work, which can be used to analyze the parametric resonance under multi-frequency excitations. The derived Hill equation for predicting the instability of a spar can include non-harmonic excitation and random phases. The stability charts for multi-frequency excitation in irregular waves are given and compared with that for single frequency excitation in regular waves. Simulations of the pitch dynamic responses are carried out to check the stability. Three-dimensional stability charts with various damping coefficients for irregular waves are also investigated. The results show that the stability property in irregular waves has notable differences compared with that in case of regular waves. In addition, using the Hill equation to obtain the stability chart is an effective method to predict the parametric instability of spar platforms. Moreover, some suggestions for designing spar platforms to avoid parametric resonance are presented, such as increasing the damping coefficient, using an appropriate RAO and increasing the metacentric height.     

静水和动水环境中水下溢油浮射流初步实验及数值模拟

为深入研究井喷和管道破损等海底事故后溢油在水下环境中的输移扩散过程，文章利用自制的组合式环形水槽（周长9.7 m、宽0.45 m、深1 m），以阿曼原油与消油剂混合物和淡水（含示踪剂）为模拟污染物，初步开展静水和动水环境中海底溢油浮射流的物理模拟实验，并应用基于拉格朗日积分方法的水下溢油浮射流模型进行数值模拟比较分析。研究结果表明:静水环境中，水下溢油浮射流主要沿喷口的垂直中心线向水面输移扩散；非均匀流动水环境中，横流速度越大，浮射流输移轨迹的弯曲程度越明显；数值模拟的浮射流轨迹总体上与实验观测结果符合较好；研究结果可为今后相关物理实验和数值模型的改进研究提供有益参考。