Air gap predictions of a mobile offshore base (MOB) using linear and non-linear hydrodynamic analysis

摘要

A physics-based seakeeping and wave load numerical simulation system is being used for design and operation studies on the Mobile Offshore Base (MOB). This ship and platform simulation system solves three-dimensional time-domain large-amplitude nonlinear motion and load problems using a potential-flow boundary-element method including body-nonlinear effects and a linear or nonlinear solution of the local free surface. Under the MOB Program, the simulation system has been used to compute detailed local free surface elevations for air-gap evaluation and for predictions of motions and loads for a MOB geometry in both operating and transient conditions. A description of the simulation system, computational results for a “generic” MOB geometry including nonlinear effects, and comparisons between computational results and experimental air-gap measurements are presented.