Motion Responses of a Catenary-Taut-Hybrid Moored Single Module of a Semisubmersible Very Large Floating Structure in Multisloped Seabed

Abstract

Motion responses of moored very large floating structures (VLFSs) in coastal regions are remarkably influenced by shallow water, seabed topography, and mooring system, which were given particular focus in this paper. A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model of a moored semisubmersible single module (SMOD) was described, and time domain simulated and experimentally validated. A catenary-taut-hybrid mooring system was adopted considering coastal space limitations. Large-scale catenary mooring lines were deployed on the deep water side, while taut chains were used on the shore side to decrease the anchor radius. Although the mooring system may induce a stiffness difference between the two sides, the effectiveness of the mooring system was demonstrated by time-domain simulation and model tests. The moored semisubmersible SMOD in shallow water exhibits significant low frequency characteristics. Water depth, asymmetric stiffness, and bottom topography effects were investigated by a series of sensitivity studies. The results show that these factors play an important role in motion responses of the moored SMOD, which can further conduce to better understandings on the hydrodynamic of the semisubmersible-type VLFSs.