Hydroelastic analysis of flexible floating interconnected structures

Three-dimensional hydroelasticity theory is used to predict the hydroelastic response of flexible floating interconnected structures. The theory is extended to take into account hinge rigid modes, which are calculated from a numerical analysis of the structure based on the finite element method. The modules and connectors are all considered to be flexible, with variable translational and rotational connector stiffness. As a special case, the response of a two-module interconnected structure with very high connector stiffness is found to compare well to experimental results for an otherwise equivalent continuous structure. This model is used to study the general characteristics of hydroelastic response in flexible floating interconnected structures, including their displacement and bending moments under various conditions. The effects of connector and module stiffness on the hydroelastic response are also studied, to provide information regarding the optimal design of such structures. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.