A Method to Predict Hydroelastic Responses of VLFS under Waves and Moving Loads

Based on the multi-floating-body theory, a novel method to predict hydroelastic responses of a VLFS (Very Large Floating Structure) under waves and moving loads is established. A VLFS can be simplified as a continuous elastic beam model or a multi-floating-body model connected by universal joints. For the multi-floating-body model, its elastic deformation can be reflected by the rotation of these joints. According to displacement and torsional angle equivalent of the elastic beam model and multi-floating-body model in static analysis, the equivalent rotation stiffnesses of the universal joints in the directions of bending and torsion can be determined, respectively. The dynamic responses of the multi-floating-body model can be analyzed by using ANSYS-AQWA software, which is based on potential flow theory. The proposed method is verified against the results obtained from relative references and 3D-hydroelasticity theory. Significantly, it is more convenient to consider various combined loads based on the proposed method. Then, the hydroelastic responses, including the displacement, bending moment, torque and torsional deformation, of a VLFS under the combination of waves and moving loads are further investigated.