Composite 2D/3D Hydroelastic‐Analysis Method for Floating Structures

Abstract

A new approach to the analysis of the wave‐induced, hydroelastic response of floating, slender structures is developed that combines a three‐dimensional structural model with fluid forces from two‐dimensional potential theory (strip theory). Because a three‐dimensional finite‐element model of the structure is used, the method allows direct computation of three‐dimensional structural response, such as individual member forces and stresses. However, because a two‐dimensional fluid model is used, the large computational effort of three‐dimensional hydroelasticity (primarily a result of three‐dimensional potential theory) is avoided. The composite 2D/3D method is verified by satisfactory agreement with results from full three‐dimensional hydroelasticity for a SWATH (small water‐plane area twin‐hull) ship. The results indicate that the method may be useful in design of large, slender structures, such as ships, because the computational effort is significantly less than required in 3D hydroelasticity.