Experimental Investigation and Numerical Analysis to Develop Low-Energy Large-Midwater Trawls

Fuel consumption in fisheries is a primary concern because of its effects on the environment and the costs incurred by fishermen. Many studies have been conducted to reduce the fuel consumption in fishing operations. Fuel consumption due to fishing gear during a fishing operation is generally related to the hydrodynamic resistance on the gear. This means that fuel consumption is proportional to the drag created by the towing speed. Based on numerical methods, this study suggests a new approach to reduce fuel consumption in fisheries. The results of the simulation are in good agreement with those of model experiments. The total as well as partial resistance forces on the gear are calculated by simulation. The simulation results suggest improved materials and gear structure for reducing the hydrodynamic forces on the gear while maintaining gear performance. The method for assessing the gear performance involves measuring the height and width of the net mouth. Furthermore, this study investigates the efficiency of a low-energy trawl from an economic point of view. The findings of this study will be useful in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in fishing operations, and thereby contribute toward lowering fishing costs by saving fuel.     

Probabilistic downtime estimation for sequential marine operations

A marine project consists of series of operations, with each operation subject to a predefined operational limit and duration. If actual weather conditions exceed the operational limit, the operation cannot be executed and hence downtime occurs. An accurate assessment of uncertainties and the expected downtime during a marine project is important in the tender and execution phase. This paper proposes a new probabilistic model for downtime estimation. It utilizes linked Markov chains that use actual metocean conditions to produce binary workability sequences for each operation. Synthetic time-series can be generated based on the statistics of the past observations and more project simulations are realizable, reducing the simulation uncertainty. The capabilities and limitations of the proposed approach are illustrated in a case study for a hypothetical project in the Tasman Sea.     

On the application of similitude to installation operations of offshore steel jackets

The role of similitude in scaled simulation of major installation operations of offshore steel jackets, namely, loadout, launching and upending has been studied. The physical modelling can be looked upon both as an adjunct to numerical modelling using computers and also as an independent tool of investigation. The problems of design of models and of experiments are discussed and the prediction equations based on similitude are given.     

基于纵横波保幅分离的粘弹介质弹性波正演模拟

地下介质往往表现为粘弹特性,研究基于粘弹假设的数值模拟方法对于正确认识地震波的传播规律和提高地震勘探精度具有重要意义。波动方程正演过程中纵横波的保幅解耦是研究准确的粘弹介质中地震波传播机理的前提,基于散度和旋度算子的纵横波解耦方法会使波场的相位和振幅产生畸变,且解耦后的波场在极性反转位置上无法与分离前混合波场各分量对应。在散度和旋度算子上再做一次梯度和旋度运算的波场分离方法虽然能够克服上述缺陷,但存在保幅性差等问题。本文从粘弹介质中的一阶速度-应力方程出发,推导了矢量纵横波分离的波数域表达式,结合有限差分思路给出了其在空间域的求解方法。本文方法利用纵横波的传播速度对现有的矢量波场分离方法进行振幅校正,并将校正结果分别作为纵波与横波对时间的二阶偏导,实现了粘弹介质中的纵横波分离。模型试算结果表明,本文方法能够克服现有方法的缺陷,获得更具保幅性的波场分离结果。     

Operability analysis of marine projects based on Markov theory

The operability of marine operations, that is, the estimation of their weather downtime and duration, is traditionally determined either by means of risk analysis or Monte Carlo simulation techniques. The work presented herein establishes analytically the probability distribution and statistical parameters of the duration of individual activities of a marine project based on the theory of Markov chains. According to the proposed Markov model the distribution of the duration of an activity is associated with certain statistical properties of the return time, that is the period between two successive passages from the non-operable state. Information about individual activities is then combined according to the PNET methodology, as proposed by Ang, A. H. S., Abdelnour, J. & Chaker, A. A., Analysis of activity networks under uncertainty. J. Engng Mech. Div., ASCE, 101 (EM4) (1975) 373–387 which considers the sequence of the execution of the activities, as defined by the operations scenario of the project, in order to establish analytically the probability distribution of the duration of the project.

The statistical analysis distinguishes between activities which do not require a weather window for their execution and those which do. Policies which affect the execution of an activity are incorporated into the analysis by taking into consideration secondary tasks which are performed before or after its temporary suspension. Furthermore, performance efficiency factors are also introduced in order to reflect the influence of the prevailing sea state/vessel responses on the ability of the crew to carry out the activity.

The Markov model is applied for a range of uninterrupted durations to activities which do or do not require a weather window and the results are compared with those from a Monte Carlo simulation. Good agreement is obtained for the mean durations but significant deviation is evident for the second order moments. This behaviour is attributed to the length of the record and also to the distribution of the return times. Agreement between the results of the two models is generally better for activities of low uninterrupted duration which do not require a weather window.

Finally, the combined Markov/PNET methodology is illustrated with an example for a hypothetical project and results are compared with those from a Monte Carlo simulation. Similar conclusions to those mentioned above are drawn.     

Equivalent linear array approach to array pattern synthesis

An effective method for array radiation pattern synthesis that allows formulation of the synthesis of a desired pattern as an optimization problem is presented. The solution proposed involves matrix operations based on the equivalent computation. The advantage of this approach is that it does not involve any numerical optimization routines-only ordinary matrix operations are required. Illustrations are presented to highlight the various aspects of the method. The proposed algorithm can be used to design arrays of uniformly spaced elements with nonisotropic and unequal radiation patterns     

Integration of a Multi-Stage Bulk Materials Acquisition System from the Viewpoint of Dock Operations

A multi-stage bulk materials acquisition system is examined from the viewpoint of dock operations. The whole process can be divided into four stages and treated as four subsystems: ships scheduling planning, material yard planning, dock arrangement, and material discharging. Since the structure and the complexity of each subsystem is different, the solution approaches applied are also different with respect to each. To increase operations efficiency and data consistency, an integration of the subsystems by coordinating the operations sequence and data communications for the four subsystems is discussed. The four subsystems are illustrated by using the material docks of China Steel Corporation, and the models developed in this research are also validated. The results indicate that the models developed are capable of deriving solutions better than the existing ones. Although the discussions are confined to China Steel Corporation, the models can be applied to other companies with similar operations.     

Very Large Eddy Simulation of Cavitation from Inception to Sheet/Cloud Regimes by A Multiscale Model

The cavitating flow in different regimes has the intricate flow structure with multiple time and space scales. The present work develops a multiscale model by coupling the volume of fluid(VOF) method and a discrete bubble model(DBM), to simulate the cavitating flow in a convergent-divergent test section. The Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model is used to calculate the mass transfer rate to obtain the macroscale phase structure, and the simplified Rayleigh-Plesset equation is applied to simulate the growing and collapsing of discrete bubbles. An algorithm for bridging between the macroscale cavities and microscale bubbles is also developed to achieve the multiscale simulation. For the flow field, the very large eddy simulation(VLES) approach is applied. Conditions from inception to sheet/cloud cavitation regimes are taken into account and simulations are conducted. Compared with the experimental observations, it is shown that the cavitation inception, bubble clouds formation and glass cavity generation are all well represented, indicating that the proposed VOF-DBM model is a promising approach to accurately and comprehensively reveal the multiscale phase field induced by cavitation.     

Integration of a Multi-Stage Bulk Materials Acquisition System from the Viewpoint of Dock Operations

Abstract

A multi-stage bulk materials acquisition system is examined from the viewpoint of dock operations. The whole process can be divided into four stages and treated as four subsystems: ships scheduling planning, material yard planning, dock arrangement, and material discharging. Since the structure and the complexity of each subsystem is different, the solution approaches applied are also different with respect to each. To increase operations efficiency and data consistency, an integration of the subsystems by coordinating the operations sequence and data communications for the four subsystems is discussed. The four subsystems are illustrated by using the material docks of China Steel Corporation, and the models developed in this research are also validated. The results indicate that the models developed are capable of deriving solutions better than the existing ones. Although the discussions are confined to China Steel Corporation, the models can be applied to other companies with similar operations.     

Reliability based approach for offloading operation related to motion of two side-by-side moored LNG carriers

A reliability based approach for analysis of offloading operations with two identical LNG carriers moored in a side-by-side configuration is suggested. The approach, although adopted for two tankers, is generally applicable to different types of LNG terminals. Different heading controls are conceivable for the discharging vessel in the case that the heading is not fixed: heading toward wind-sea, heading toward swell, heading toward wind and free weather vaning. The analyses show that heading toward the governing sea state is the most beneficial option for two identical LNG carriers moored in a side-by-side configuration. Strategies are discussed for estimation of limiting weather criteria that are consistent with prescribed target failure probabilities.     

杭州湾的三维水流数值模拟

建立了一个基于σ变换和内外模式分裂技术三维水流数学模型，采用有限节点法（平面）和变步长差分法（σ向）对方程进行了离散；通过风生流和环岛水流两个理论模式对所建模型进行了校验，并将该模型应用到杭州湾的三维水流数值模拟中，效果良好，所建模型垂向分辨率高，简单实用，可应用于河口，海岸，湖泊等大范围水域的水流数值计算。     

波浪作用下潜标拖缆动力学分析

对三维潜标拖缆在规则波作用下的动力响应进行了研究,首先基于集中质量法给出了缆绳在规则波作用下的控制方程,然后提出了两种不同类型的自由端边界条件:质点型和艇型自由端边界条件,前者把拖体视为作三个自由度线运动的质点,而后者把拖体视为作六自由度运动的艇体,最后用有限差分法进行了数值研究。数值计算结果表明潜标拖缆在规则波的作用下,不仅作近似的简谐振动,还会在横向、垂向产生一个偏移量,该偏移量的大小随浪向角的变化而变化,另外受遭遇频率的影响,振动的幅值也随浪向角的变化而呈现不同的特征。     

On the hydrodynamic loading of marine cycloidal propeller during maneuvering

In marine cycloidal propeller (MCP), the inflow velocity vector to the propeller blade continuously changes at different blade orbit angle. Earlier marine cycloidal propellers were installed on ships that mainly performed towing operations. Recently marine cycloidal propellers are being installed on large naval vessels, which spend lot of their operating hours in cruising. Therefore, the hydrodynamic loading on the blades both during cruising maneuvers need to be investigated. The flow characteristics around the propeller blade are computed numerically by panel method. Viscous effects on the flow are then estimated by boundary layer technique. The effect of rotating disc on viscous fluid is also investigated. The corrected flow characteristics are then used for estimating the hydrodynamic loading. The operating conditions that are critical for the loading of the blade and the support structure and some aspects of the maneuvering simulation at cruising speed are investigated.     

Research on Maneuverability and Simulation of Underwater Vehicles for Pipeline Detection and Maintenance

1 .IntroductionWiththe advent of underwater vehicle technology in the offshore industry, major survey and in-spectiontasks can be done at lower cost withfaster execution.Pipe inspection is of major interest inthat respect because thousands of meters of pi…     

Environment and Deep-Sea Mining: A Perspective

As the quest for deep-sea mineral resources is gaining momentum, environment and ocean mining have become important aspects of study. Because many of these deposits occur in international waters, the concern for environmental conservation in view of the effects of deep-sea mining is resulting in these effects being studied in different oceans, and efforts to develop regulations governing this exploitation are also underway at national and international levels. The impact assessment of deep-sea mining needs to encompass a variety of subjects, including environmental, socioeconomic, technological, and legal aspects. At the same time, effects of in situ environmental conditions on mining activities also need to be considered for effecient performance by the mining system. Differences in the degree of impact have been noticed during the mining simulation experiments by different investigating agencies. Therefore, interparameter comparisons, standardization of methods, and improvement in mining design are important considerations for proper utilization of resources, conservation of environment, and cost efficiency of the mining operations.     

A novel array of elliptic ring radiators

An array of elliptic ring radiators is proposed which generates a fan-type beam with controllable sidelobe levels. Such an array has applications in specialized acoustic systems such as sidescan sonars, sonars for fish finding and stock assessment, obstacle avoidance systems, and others. Two possible approaches to the design are presented. One approach utilizes a mapping which transforms a radiation pattern generated by a circular ring array to that of an elliptic ring array. This approach takes advantage of methodologies developed for the design of circular ring arrays. The other approach uses the concept of an equivalent linear array. This approach benefits from existing design techniques developed for linear arrays. It requires only simple matrix operations and does not involve any optimization. The design examples presented demonstrate that a fan-type beam with sidelobes suppressed to more than 40 dB in all possible directions is achievable     

Predicting Nonlinear Wave Trough Distributions Utilizing A Transformed Linear Simulation Method

This paper first proposes a new approach for predicting the nonlinear wave trough distributions by utilizing a transformed linear simulation method. The linear simulation method is transformed based on a Hermite transformation model where the transformation is chosen to be a monotonic cubic polynomial and calibrated such that the first four moments of the transformed model match the moments of the true process. The proposed new approach is applied for calculating the wave trough distributions of a nonlinear sea state with the surface elevation data measured at the coast of Yura in the Japan Sea, and its accuracy and efficiency are convincingly validated by comparisons with the results from two theoretical distribution models, from a linear simulation model and a second-order nonlinear simulation model. Finally, it is further demonstrated in this paper that the new approach can be applied to all the situations characterized by similar nondimensional spectrum.     

The livelihoods approach and management of small-scale fisheries

An approach to poverty reduction in low-income countries known as the ‘sustainable livelihoods approach’ is applied to understanding the strategies of artisanal fisherfolk confronted by fluctuating fisheries resources. The livelihood approach is explained, and the insights it provides into conventional fisheries management policies in developing countries are explored. It is argued that both state-led management and some of the newer, community or territorial use-rights approaches, if predicated on an incomplete understanding of livelihoods, can result in management directives incompatible with both resource conservation and the social and economic goals of management.     

浅海海底管线检测艇操纵性和运动仿真研究

研究了用于维护和检修中国渤海海域输油管道的浅海管道检测艇的操纵性和运动仿真,提出了浅海海底管道检测艇的水动力学方程。为了更好地了解在配置上与一般潜器不同的浅海海底管线检测艇的动力学性能,通过水动力系数分析,研究了浅海海底管线检测艇的操纵性。最后根据运动方程建立了仿真系统,并通过仿真试验结果验证了仿真试验平台的可行性和可靠性。