Comparison of Model Test Results and Analytical Motion Analyses for a Buoyant Leg Structure

摘要

Following the conceptual development of a single column Buoyant Leg Structure (BLS), a Joint Industry Project (JIP) was initiated to further develop the BLS concept. Work performed during Phase 1 of the JIP work included comprehensive analyses of BLS response to excitational wind, wave and current forces, structural analysis and design as well as construction and installation studies. Since completed work confirmed feasibility of the BLS concept, Phase 2 work was performed to carry the project further including additional analytical studies and model basin tests. This paper presents the results of analytical and model basin work following the completion of Phase 2 work in December 2000. The paper first discusses characteristics of the BLS and then analytical motion studies conducted in preparation to model basin tests, model test results and additional independent analyses performed by a JIP participant following the model basin work. Conceptual design results of another BLS, a mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU), were presented at the 1997 Black Sea Symposium (Capanoglu and Copple, 1997), and the model test results for a similar BLS were presented at ISOPE 2001 (Shaver, Capanoglu and Serrahn).