Hydrodynamic Coefficients of Simplified Subsea Structures

Abstract

Simplified two-dimensional models, representing components of complex subsea structures, are experimentally investigated. Individual as well as combinations of components in different configurations are tested, in order to study the effect of hydrodynamic interaction. The components include porous plates and cylindrical pipes with circular cross-section. Hydrodynamic added mass and damping coefficients, relevant for force estimation during lifting operations, are presented. The coefficients are obtained based on forced oscillation tests for a large range of Keulegan–Carpenter (KC) numbers and forcing periods, and compared to numerical source panel results for the low KC limit, as well as recommendations given by DNV GL, where relevant.

Coefficients for all configurations are found to be highly amplitude dependent. Significant interaction effects are found for the assembled structures, causing either reduced or increased total added mass and damping coefficients compared to the super-position of the coefficients for individual members.