Prediction of design wave loads of the ocean structure by equivalent irregular wave approach

The present study is employing the equivalent irregular wave approach to predict the wave loads for a ship encountering the worst sea state with respect to the critical dynamic loading parameter. Two different hydrodynamic numerical models, i.e. 3D pulsating source technique and 3D translating pulsating source technique, are applied to calculate the corresponding RAO of the ship moving in waves. Incorporating the RAO of the related physical properties, we can calculate the extreme value for the corresponding ship loading factor, which can be regarded as the worst sea state in the service lifetime of the ship. With the time and period of the occurrence of the corresponding extreme value, we can simulate the time history of the wave load in this period, which is so-called equivalent irregular wave approach. Comparing with the results calculated by the traditional equivalent regular wave approach, we find that the equivalent irregular wave approach can simulate the corresponding wave load more realistic, especially for dynamic pressure. Using the equivalent irregular wave approach can offer the effective and practical base for the ship structural analysis.