VERIDEEP: Reliable Methods for Laboratory Verification of Mooring and Stationkeeping in Deep Water

摘要

Challenges in hydrodynamic model test verification of deep water floating production systems are discussed. Traditionally, tests with models of complete systems including the floater, moorings and risers are preferred if possible. However, for water depths beyond 800m-1000m one meets a depth limitation in laboratory facilites worldwide. A 3-year reaearch project, VERIDEEP, is described where strategies for new or alternative methods are investigated. Extending the model scales down to 1:150 is one philosophy which is tested out through comparative model tests in 1:55, 1:100 and 1:150. A reasonably good correspondence is observed in this case, although the results study cannot necessarily be generalized to all other situations. Another, different solution is combined (hybrid) verification, where model tests at a reduced depth are combined with computer simulations. A specific technique, based upon coupled numerical analysis applied in "copying" reduced tests and extending them to full depth is considered. The results show that the method is a promising tool in future deep-water verification problems.