Prediction of hydrodynamic loading on a mini TLP with free surface effects

This paper describes the extension of a fluid-flow simulations method to capture the free surface evolution around a full-scale Tension Leg Platform (TLP). The focus is on the prediction of the resulting hydrodynamic loading on the various elements of the TLP in turbulent flow conditions and, in particular, on quantifying the effects of the free surface distortion on this loading. The basic method uses finite-volume techniques to discretize the differential equations governing conservation of mass and momentum in three dimensions. The time-averaged forms of the equations are used, and the effects of turbulence are accounted for by using a two-equation, eddy-viscosity closure. The method is extended here via the incorporation of surface-tracking algorithm on a moving grid to predict the free-surface shape. The algorithm was checked against experimental measurements from two benchmark flows: the flow over a submerged semi-circular cylinder and the flow around a floating parabolic hull. Predictions of forces on a model TLP were then obtained both with and without allowing for the deformation of the free surface. The results suggest that the free surface effects on the hydrodynamic loads are small for the values of Froude number typically encountered in offshore engineering practice.     

Coupled Dynamic Response Analysis of A Multi-Column Tension-Leg-Type Floating Wind Turbine

This paper presents a coupled dynamic response analysis of a multi-column tension-leg-type floating wind turbine (WindStar TLP system) under normal operation and parked conditions. Wind-only load cases, wave-only load cases and combined wind and wave load cases were analyzed separately for the WindStar TLP system to identify the dominant excitation loads. Comparisons between an NREL offshore 5-MW baseline wind turbine installed on land and the WindStar TLP system were performed. Statistics of selected response variables in specified design load cases (DLCs) were obtained and analyzed. It is found that the proposed WindStar TLP system has small dynamic responses to environmental loads and it thus has almost the same mean generator power output under operating conditions as the land-based system. The tension mooring system has a sufficient safety factor, and the minimum tendon tension is always positive in all selected DLCs. The ratio of ultimate load of the tower base fore-aft bending moment for the WindStar TLP system versus the land-based system can be as high as 1.9 in all of the DLCs considered. These results will help elucidate the dynamic characteristics of the proposed WindStar TLP system, identify the difference in load effect between it and land-based systems, and thus make relevant modifications to the initial design for the WindStar TLP system.     

考虑多种非线性因素的张力腿平台动力响应

建立了一种考虑多种非线性因素的张力腿平台(TLP)分析模型,其中包括六自由度有限位移,各自由度之间的耦合,瞬时湿表面,瞬时位置,自由表面效应及粘性力等因素引起的非线性。推导出TLP六自由度非线性运动方程。对某典型张力腿平台ISSC TLP进行了时域上的数值计算,求得该平台在规则波作用下的六自由度运动响应。用退化到线性范围的解与已有解进行了对比,吻合良好。数值结果表明,综合考虑非线性因素后响应明显改变,建议在设计TLP平台的时候,考虑非线性因素的影响。     

Hill Instability Analysis of TLP Tether Subjected to Combined Platform Surge and Heave Motions

This paper presents the Hill instability analysis of Tension keg Platform （TLP） tether in deep sea. The 2-D nonlinear beanl model, which is undergoing coupled axial and transverse vibrations, is applied. The governing equations are reduced to nonlinear Hill equation by use of the Galerkin＇ s method and the modes superposition principle. The Hill instability charted up to large parameters is obtained. An important parameter M is defined and can be expressed as the functions of tether length, the platform surge and heave motion amplitudes. Some example studies are performed for various envirotnnental conditions. The results demonstrate that the nonlinear coupling between the axial and transverse vibrations has a significant effect on the response of structure. It needs to be considered for the accurate dynamic analysis of long TI2 tether subjected to the combined platfolna surge and heave motions.     

张力腿平台及其基础设计

海洋工程油气开发逐步向深海域进军,资料表明２１世纪深海的石渍、天然气将是主要能源这一。目前主要的深海石油平台形式是张力腿平台,其结构一般由平台本体、张力腿系统和基础系统三部分组成。基础部分不但承受着结构上部及海底的各种载荷,而且为结构提供必要的稳定性和安全性。本文通过对当今世界已建成投产的９座深海张力腿平台及其基础形式进行分析,剖析它们的基础设计思想,为我国深海张力腿平台的设计提供参考。     

畸形波作用下四立柱张力腿平台动力响应研究

介绍了畸形波生成的方法并对各种线性合成畸形波的效率进行了对比。选用改进的随机波加瞬态波的方法模拟强非线性波———"新年波"的波形。采用微元法对张力腿平台的立柱和浮筒进行离散,编制程序对张力腿平台在强非线性波作用下的耦合动力响应进行了数值模拟,重点比较分析了张力腿平台在随机波及畸形波中所受波浪力、平台动力响应、系泊系统张力特性及浪向角对平台运动的影响。研究表明:在"新年波"作用下,0°浪向时,平台在x和z方向所受波浪力较随机波增长了约1/4,纵荡、垂荡及纵摇响应值分别增加了33%,38%和12%,张力腿张力幅值增加约20%,位于平台四角的张力腿张力有所差异,相邻两根张力腿的张力差别不大,浪向角对平台运动响应、张力腿张力的影响畸形波大于随机波的作用。为今后考虑强非线性波浪影响时张力腿平台的设计提供了借鉴和参考。     

Studies of TLP dynamic response under wind, waves and current

Investigated is the coupled response of a tension leg platform (TLP) for random waves. Inferred are the mass matrix, coupling stiffness matrix, damping matrix in the vibration differential equation and external load of TLP in moving coordinating system. Infinitesimal method is applied to divide columns and pontoons into small parts. Time domain motion equation is solved by Runge-Kutta integration scheme. Jonswap spectrum is simulated in the random wave, current is simulated by linear interpolation, and NPD spectrum is applied as wind spectrum. The Monte Carlo method is used to simulate random waves and fluctuated wind. Coupling dynamic response, change of tendon tension and riser tension in different sea conditions are analyzed by power spectral density (PSD). The influence of approach angle on dynamic response of TLP and tendon tension is compared.     

Dynamic behavior of tension-leg platform with net-cage system subjected to wave forces

In this study a typical tension-leg platform with net cage system is presented, and a set of equations of motion for the platform with a net-cage system of a simplified two-dimensional case are derived. Subsequently a close form solution is obtained when the wave-structure interaction between the top platform structure and the incident wave is considered. The parameter of solidity as a ratio of the twine diameter and the mesh size of the cage is also taken into account in the analysis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamic behavior for the tension-leg platform with a net-cage system and its pre-tensioned tethers when subjected to incident waves and flow drags, and furthermore, to understand the relationship between the structure behavior and the properties of the net-cages. Numerical examples are carried out and the results are discussed focusing on the motion of both the platform and net-cages when subjected to waves of a range of periods. It is found that there is a close relationship between the dynamic behavior of the platform and the net-cage features such as the solidity ratio between the twine diameter and the mesh size of the net-cage while the parameters related to waves are held constant.     

基于能耗最优的TLP张力腿水下无线监测组网方法研究

张力腿作为张力腿平台(tension leg platform,简称TLP)的重要组成部分,服役水深大,动力学行为复杂多样。为了保障张力腿的结构安全,开展张力腿的水下全方位监测十分必要。文中以某TLP为依托,构建一套能耗最优的张力腿监测系统。首先,利用附加质量法对张力腿进行湿模态分析,结合有效独立法与模态置信度准则确定张力腿监测节点的具体布设方案;其次,以能耗最低为优化目标,基于遗传算法建立了水下无线组网监测方案,同时讨论了监测节点存在失效时监测数据传输路径改变方案;最终,得到一套能耗最优的TLP张力腿水下无线组网监测方法,以降低水下监测系统维护成本。     

Algorithms for Lunar Flash Video Search, Measurement, and Archiving

Lunar meteoroid impact flashes provide a method to estimate the flux of the large meteoroid flux and thus their hazard to spacecraft. Although meteoroid impacts on the Moon have been detected using video methods for over a decade, the difficulty of manually searching hours of video for the rare, extremely brief impact flashes has discouraged the technique’s systematic implementation. A prototype has been developed for the purpose of automatically searching lunar video records for impact flashes, eliminating false detections, editing the returned possible flashes, and archiving and documenting the results. Several utilities for measurement, analysis, and location of the flashes on the moon included in the program are demonstrated. Application of the program to a year’s worth of lunar observations is discussed along with examples of impact flashes.