Overview
Modelling of diffraction and radiation effects on large offshore support structure, using Boundary Element Method hydrodynamics.
The Advanced Hydrodynamics module allows the first order hydrodynamics loading on the structure to be calculated from a set of hydrodynamic body properties obtained using a boundary element method (BEM) flow solver code. This is particularly important when modelling offshore fixed or floating support structures where the size or shape of the member means that Morison elements are not sufficient. This allows the calculation of both diffraction and radiation effects. In addition, the hydrostatic force is calculated according to the geometry of the structure supplied as a mesh.
The mesh used for the BEM flow solver code
The support structure can be represented as a single hydrodynamic body or as a collection of bodies connected using a flexible modal frame.
Any commercial flow solver may be used to provide the hydrodynamic properties provided it produces the required outputs, but Bladed includes a tool for importing flow solver properties from WAMIT, AQUA and WADAM.
A floating wind turbine being modelled in Bladed