Experimental Study on the Hydrodynamic Performance of a Flexible Connected Double-Module Floating Structure

Abstract

A flexibly connected double-module floating structure can be used as the primary component unit of a large multi-module floating structure, revealing some basic principles regarding the interaction of multiple modules and connectors to the same extent. This study investigated the hydrodynamic characteristics of a double-module floating structure with cable–fender connectors and connector loads through an experimental model test. Due to the weak coupling strength of the connector, the motion response of each unit of the double-module floating structure mainly responds to the wave frequency, and the resonance frequency of the floating unit is close to that of the single floating module. The magnitude of the connector load is related to the relative pitch motion of the two modules. The increased stiffness of the connector can limit the pitch motion of the modules but can also lead to higher forces on the connector. The load acting on the fender in the cable–fender connector is strongly nonlinear, and the shear force on the fender is large; this may be the control load causing fender damage.