Wave interactions with multi-float structures: SPH model, experimental validation, and parametric study

This paper proposes a new type of multi-float structures which comprise several serially arranged box-type modules. Adjacent modules are connected at the top corners using hinges, while rubber bumpers are placed at the bottom corners to absorb the collision energy. The whole structure is anchored to the seabed with mooring lines. A Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) model is established to study the wave interactions with such multi-float structures. In the SPH model, the Navier-Stokes equations are solved for the wave motion and the multi-degree-of-freedom motion of the structure is tracked by applying the Newton's second law to rigid bodies. A light spring model is used to evaluate the mooring forces, while the collision forces between adjacent modules are calculated according to the force-compression relation of the rubber bumpers. Besides, a continuity restriction on the linear acceleration is applied to the hinge connectors between adjacent modules. To validate the proposed SPH model, a laboratory experiment is conducted regarding the hydrodynamic performance of a threefloat structure. Then, the SPH model is applied to a multi-float design scenario, from which useful findings have been obtained for engineering practice.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a new type of multi-float structures comprising serially arranged box-type modules, which are connected by hinges at the top corners and equipped with rubber bumpers at the bottom corners for energy absorption during collisions. The structure is anchored to the seabed with mooring lines. A Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) model is used to examine the wave interactions with such multi-float structures, considering the motion of the structure and the behavior of the rubber bumpers and hinge connectors.