Horizontal Forces Due to Waves Acting on Large Vertical Cylinders in Deep Water

Abstract

The special case of horizontal wave forces on large vertical cylinders in deep water is considered. The typical application for such a case is the calculation of horizontal forces on column stabilized floating ocean platforms. Existing literature discussing horizontal wave forces on cylinders does not generally agree on how to predict these forces. Since for large diameter cylinders in deep water the maximum force is completely inertial, the problem of deriving a solution is considerably simplified. In this study, an expression for the maximum horizontal wave force on large diameter circular cylinders mounted vertically in deep water has been analytically derived. Experimental model studies were also conducted and the resulting measured forces were within 20 percent of predicted forces. An example of how to predict horizontal wave forces using the methods of this report is given.