Experimental study on responses of an 8-module VLFS considering different encounter wave conditions

For the very large floating structure (VLFS) which is deployed near seashores, islands and reefs, the encounter wave conditions are always extremely complex. Traditional methods using homogeneous wave environment conditions cannot be applied for the analysis. In order to provide references for the further development of numerical methods, this paper reports an experimental study on responses of an 8-module VLFS under three different encounter wave conditions. The wave heights, accelerations, motions and connector loads of VLFS in three test schemes are obtained and analyzed. The comparative results show that the inhomogeneous wave conditions have an essential influence on the responses of VLFS. Especially for the connector loads, the values in the inhomogeneous wave conditions increase a lot compared with the other two test schemes. It indicates the traditional numerical methods using homogeneous wave field may not guarantee a safe design of VLFS and its connectors in the complicated wave environments.

Automated summary

This study conducted experiments on the responses of a VLFS under different encounter wave conditions, and found that inhomogeneous wave conditions significantly influence the VLFS, particularly causing a notable increase in connector loads. Traditional numerical methods using homogeneous wave fields may not be suitable for the safe design of VLFS in complex wave environments.