Transient effects of tendon disconnection of a TLP by hull–tendon–riser coupled dynamic analysis

This paper deals with a numerical study of the transient effect of tendon disconnection on global performance of an extended tension leg platform (ETLP) during harsh environmental conditions of Gulf of Mexico (GoM). The ETLP has twelve tendons with twelve production top-tensioned risers (TTRs) and one drilling riser. The risers are attached by hydro-pneumatic tensioners. A time-domain nonlinear global-motion-analysis program for floating hulls coupled with risers/mooring lines is developed to model the transient effects associated with tendon disconnection at the top or the bottom. The sudden disconnection of one or more tendons causes the change of stiffness and natural periods, the imbalance of forces and moments of the total system, and possibly large transient overshoots in tension at the moment of disconnection. The breakage at the top and the unlatch at the bottom also make different impacts on the system. The transient responses and tensions are compared and discussed in the viewpoint of the robustness of the system. The survivability of a TLP with the loss of one or two tendons by accident during a lesser-than-extreme environment can also be checked by this kind of time-domain simulation technique.