Hydrodynamic Response to the Effect of Current Loads on Floating Offshore Platform

A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312). This special issue belongs to the section "Ocean Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 March 2025) | Viewed by 10970

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Guest Editor
Centre for Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering (CENTEC), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: hydroelasticity; marine dynamics and hydrodynamics; wave–current interaction; offshore floating and submerged flexible structures
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Guest Editor
School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Interests: ship and marine hydrodynamics; wave-body–seabed interactions; wave–current interaction; propagation in inhomogeneous environment; wave climate and potential; marine renewable energy systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is driven by the increasing interest in the dynamics of floating offshore platforms under current loads as floating offshore platforms are located in unprotected environmental conditions and depths in offshore regions. Therefore, the dynamic responses of floating offshore platforms under current loads in terms of structural motions and displacements of different modes are necessary to access their efficiency, survivability, stability from structural damage.

This Special Issue will focus especially on models based on the novel, latest, and allied developments under current loads with floating offshore platforms. Submissions must include theoretical modeling, numerical modeling, and prototype testing as applications in offshore platforms.

Contributions introducing the wave–current interactions on the dynamics of the floating rigid/flexible platforms based on theoretical, numerical, and experimental models are specially encouraged and welcomed. All types of manuscripts (i.e., research articles, reviews, and short communications) are welcomed.

Dr. Sarat Chandra Mohapatra
Prof. Dr. Kostas Belibassakis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • theoretical model for floating offshore platforms
  • interconnected floating platforms under current loads
  • hydroelastic response of floating offshore platforms
  • experiments on floating platforms
  • dynamics of moored platforms
  • interconnected circular floating platforms
  • offshore wind turbine platforms
  • offshore aquaculture bases
  • effect of seabed topography

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 3658 KiB  
Article
Hydrodynamic Analysis of a NREL 5 MW Monopile Wind Turbine Under the Effect of the 30 October 2020 İzmir-Samos Tsunami
by Barış Namlı, Cihan Bayındır and Fatih Ozaydin
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(5), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13050857 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 169
Abstract
Although offshore wind turbines are essential for renewable energy, their construction and design are quite complex when environmental factors are taken into account. It is quite difficult to examine their behavior under rare but dangerous natural events such as tsunamis, which bring great [...] Read more.
Although offshore wind turbines are essential for renewable energy, their construction and design are quite complex when environmental factors are taken into account. It is quite difficult to examine their behavior under rare but dangerous natural events such as tsunamis, which bring great danger to their structural safety and serviceability. With this motivation, this study investigates the effects of tsunami and wind on an offshore National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5 MW wind turbine both hydrodynamically and aerodynamically. First, the NREL 5 MW monopile offshore wind turbine model was parameterized and the aerodynamic properties of the rotor region at different wind speeds were investigated using the blade element momentum (BEM) approach. The tsunami data of the İzmir-Samos (Aegean) tsunami on 30 October 2020 were reconstructed using the data acquired from the UNESCO data portal at Bodrum station. The obtained tsunami wave elevation dataset was imported to the QBlade software to investigate the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic characteristics of the NREL 5 MW monopile offshore under the tsunami effect. It was observed that the hydrodynamics significantly changed as a result of the tsunami effect. The total Morison wave force and the hydrodynamic inertia forces significantly changed due to the tsunami–monopile interaction, showing similar cyclic behavior with amplified forces. An increase in the horizontal force levels to values greater than twofold of the pre-event can be observed due to the İzmir-Samos tsunami with a waveheight of 7 cm at the Bodrum station. However, no significant change was observed on the rated power time series, aerodynamics, and bending moments on the NREL 5 MW monopile offshore wind turbine due to this tsunami. Full article
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30 pages, 11394 KiB  
Article
Gap Impact on Rigid Submerged Vegetated Flow and Its Induced Flow Turbulence
by Heba Mals, Jaan H. Pu, Prashanth Reddy Hanmaiahgari, Bimlesh Kumar, Ebrahim Hamid Hussein Al-Qadami and Mohd Adib Mohammad Razi
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(5), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13050829 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 145
Abstract
Submerged vegetation plays a crucial role in influencing flow hydrodynamics, generating turbulence, and shaping velocity distributions in aquatic environments. This study investigates the hydrodynamic effects of submerged rigid vegetation, specifically focusing on the local flow and turbulence alterations resulting from the removal of [...] Read more.
Submerged vegetation plays a crucial role in influencing flow hydrodynamics, generating turbulence, and shaping velocity distributions in aquatic environments. This study investigates the hydrodynamic effects of submerged rigid vegetation, specifically focusing on the local flow and turbulence alterations resulting from the removal of a single stem from an otherwise uniform vegetation array under controlled laboratory conditions. Experiments were conducted in a flume using Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry (ADV) to measure 3D (three-dimensional) flow characteristics, turbulence intensities, Reynolds shear stress (RSS), and quadrant analysis. In the fully vegetated scenario, vegetation significantly modified flow conditions, creating inflexion points and distinct peaks in velocity profiles, turbulence intensity, and RSS—particularly near two-thirds of the vegetation height—due to wake vortices and flow separation. The removal of a single stem introduced a localised gap, which redistributed turbulent energy, increased RSS and near-bed turbulent interactions, and disrupted the organised vortex structures downstream. While sweep and ejection events near the gap reached magnitudes similar to those in the fully vegetated setup, they lacked the characteristic coherent peaks linked to vortex generation. Overall, turbulence intensities and RSS were reduced, indicating a smoother flow regime and weaker energy redistribution mechanisms. These findings critically impact river restoration, flood management, and habitat conservation. By understanding how vegetation gaps alter flow hydrodynamics, engineers and ecologists can optimise vegetation placement in waterways to enhance flow efficiency, sediment transport, and aquatic ecosystem stability. This study bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with real-world applications in environmental hydraulics. Full article
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26 pages, 8072 KiB  
Article
Hydrodynamic Response to Current and Wind on a Large Floating Interconnected Structure
by Sarat Chandra Mohapatra, Pouria Amouzadrad, Iuri Baldaconi da Silva Bispo and C. Guedes Soares
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13010063 - 1 Jan 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1369
Abstract
A numerical hydrodynamic model for a moored interconnected floating large structure under the action of regular waves is presented to analyze the effect of current and wind. The floating structure consists of 20 hinged plates that are linked together and secured with mooring [...] Read more.
A numerical hydrodynamic model for a moored interconnected floating large structure under the action of regular waves is presented to analyze the effect of current and wind. The floating structure consists of 20 hinged plates that are linked together and secured with mooring lines along its edges. A brief discussion is provided on the multi-body hydrodynamics equations related to the numerical model definitions in both the frequency and time domains. Conversely, a concise overview of the experiment is given. The numerical model outcomes of vertical displacements and wave quantities are compared against the results obtained from model test data sets and numerical and analytical models in a recent publication. A high degree of accuracy has been noted in reflection and transmission coefficients with a certain value of current velocity. The numerical model simulating interconnected structures of 10 and 16 hinged plates is analyzed, and the resulting vertical displacements under the influence of current are compared to those of a 20-hinged structure. The impact of currents and winds on the hydrodynamic response of the structure is examined by studying various results, using stiffness values for both mooring and hinges. Further, the effect of wavelengths on the wave transmission on every side of the interconnected structure through contour diagrams, hydrodynamic diffraction for different incident angles, and wave quantities on current speed are analyzed. It is observed that as the current speed rises, the structural displacement also escalates; meanwhile, no impact of the wind on the floating interconnected structure is noted. It has been observed that as the wave direction shifts from 0° to 60°, the interconnected floating structure experiences a slight reduction in wave motion throughout the entire system. Full article
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23 pages, 4718 KiB  
Article
Combined Freak Wave, Wind, and Current Effects on the Dynamic Responses of Offshore Triceratops
by Nagavinothini Ravichandran
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(10), 1876; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12101876 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1036
Abstract
Offshore structures are exposed to various environmental loads, including extreme and abnormal waves, over their operational lifespan. The existence of wind and current can exacerbate the dynamic response of these structures, posing threats to safety and integrity. This study focuses on the dynamic [...] Read more.
Offshore structures are exposed to various environmental loads, including extreme and abnormal waves, over their operational lifespan. The existence of wind and current can exacerbate the dynamic response of these structures, posing threats to safety and integrity. This study focuses on the dynamic responses of offshore triceratops under different environmental conditions characterized by the superimposition of freak waves, uniform wind, and current. The free surface profile of the freak wave was generated using the dual superposition model. The numerical model of the offshore platform designed for ultra-deep-water applications was developed using the ANSYS AQWA 2023 R2 modeler. Numerical investigations, including the free decay tests and time-domain analysis under random sea states, including freak waves, were initially carried out. Then, the combined effects of freak waves, wind, and current were studied in detail under different loading scenarios. The results revealed the increase in structural response under the freak wave action at the focus time. Wind action resulted in a mean shift in responses, while the inclusion of current led to a pronounced increase in the total response of the platform, encompassing deck and buoyant legs, alongside the tether tension variation. Notably, considerable variations in the response were observed after freak wave exposure under the combined influence of wind, freak wave, and current. The results underscore the profound effects induced by wind and current in the presence of freak waves, providing valuable insights for analyzing similar offshore structures under ultimate design conditions. Full article
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22 pages, 8510 KiB  
Article
Current Loads on a Horizontal Floating Flexible Membrane in a 3D Channel
by Sarat Chandra Mohapatra, C. Guedes Soares and Kostas Belibassakis
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(9), 1583; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12091583 - 7 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1405
Abstract
A 3D analytical model is formulated based on linearised small-amplitude wave theory to analyse the behaviour of a horizontal, flexible membrane subject to wave–current interaction. The membrane is connected to spring moorings for stability. Green’s function approach is used to obtain the dispersion [...] Read more.
A 3D analytical model is formulated based on linearised small-amplitude wave theory to analyse the behaviour of a horizontal, flexible membrane subject to wave–current interaction. The membrane is connected to spring moorings for stability. Green’s function approach is used to obtain the dispersion relation and is utilised in the solution by applying the velocity decomposition method. On the other hand, a brief description of the experiment is presented. The accuracy level of the analytical results is checked by comparing the results of reflection and the transmission coefficients against experimental data sets. Several numerical results on the displacements of the membrane and the vertical forces are studied thoroughly to examine the impact of current loads, spring stiffness, membrane tension, modes of oscillations, and water depths. It is observed that as the value of the current speed (CS) rises, the deflection also increases, whereas it declines in deeper water. On the other hand, the spring stiffness has minimal effect on the vibrations of the flexible membrane. When vertical force is considered, higher oscillation modes increase the vertical loads on the membrane, and for a mid-range wavelength, the vertical wave loads on the membrane grow as the CS increases. Further, the influence of the phase and group velocities are presented. The influences of CS and comparisons between them in terms of water depth are presented and analysed. This analysis will inform the design of membrane-based wave energy converters and breakwaters by clarifying how current loads affect the dynamics of floating membranes at various water depths. Full article
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22 pages, 5157 KiB  
Article
Wave-Current Interaction Effects on the OC4 DeepCwind Semi-Submersible Floating Offshore Wind Turbine
by Thomas P. Mazarakos and Spyridon A. Mavrakos
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(9), 1509; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12091509 - 1 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2435
Abstract
In order to investigate the hydrodynamic performances of semi-submersible type floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs), particularly the effect of body-wave-current interaction, the OC4 FOWT is considered in the presence of co-existing regular wave and uniform current fields. The wind loads are not considered [...] Read more.
In order to investigate the hydrodynamic performances of semi-submersible type floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs), particularly the effect of body-wave-current interaction, the OC4 FOWT is considered in the presence of co-existing regular wave and uniform current fields. The wind loads are not considered at this stage. The problem is treated in the framework of potential-flow theory in the frequency domain, assuming waves of small steepness, and the solution is obtained by using a perturbation expansion method for the diffraction potential with respect to the normalized current speed. Analytical and numerical formulations have been used to treat the inhomogeneous free-surface boundary condition involved in the hydrodynamic problem formulation for the derivation of the associated perturbation potential. The hydrodynamic loads were obtained after evaluating the pressure field around the multi-body configuration using three different computer codes. The results from the three computer codes compare very well with each other and with the numerical predictions of other investigators. Finally, the mean second-order drift forces are calculated by superposing their zero-current values with the corresponding current-dependent first-order corrections, with the latter being evaluated using a ‘heuristic’ approach. Full article
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26 pages, 11501 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Analysis of a Moored Spar Platform in a Uniform Current: Fluid Load Prediction Using a Surrogate Model
by Xinming Wei, Xiangqian Zhu, Ruiyang Cao, Jinglei Wang, Xinyu Li, Qing’an Li and Jin-Hwan Choi
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050792 - 8 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1367
Abstract
A moored spar platform, equipped with various instruments, serves as a crucial tool in hydrological monitoring. However, conducting dynamic analyses of a single spar that endures wind and current requires significant amount of computational time. To address this challenge, this study proposes an [...] Read more.
A moored spar platform, equipped with various instruments, serves as a crucial tool in hydrological monitoring. However, conducting dynamic analyses of a single spar that endures wind and current requires significant amount of computational time. To address this challenge, this study proposes an efficient surrogate model to represent fluid loads. A database is established to capture the relationship between fluid loads, spar displacements and uniform currents based on a numerical model of the spar. Subsequently, an artificial neural network method is employed to construct the surrogate model. Finally, the surrogate model is integrated with a numerical model of the cable, developed using the lumped mass method, to create a coupled model of the moored spar. The dynamic responses of this coupled model align closely with those obtained from the purely numerical model, demonstrating the efficacy of the surrogate model in capturing fluid loads on the spar. In addition to the surrogate model generation approach, this research provides an efficient method to couple the surrogate model with the numerical model in dynamic analysis of floating systems in uniform currents. Full article
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26 pages, 8450 KiB  
Article
A Weakly Nonlinear System for Waves and Sheared Currents over Variable Bathymetry
by Julien Touboul, Veronica Morales-Marquez and Kostas Belibassakis
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(3), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12030509 - 19 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1322
Abstract
The wave–current–seabed interaction problem is studied by using a coupled-mode system developed for modeling wave scattering by non-homogeneous, sheared currents in variable bathymetry regions. The model is based on a modal series expansion of wave velocity based on vertical eigenfunctions, dependent on local [...] Read more.
The wave–current–seabed interaction problem is studied by using a coupled-mode system developed for modeling wave scattering by non-homogeneous, sheared currents in variable bathymetry regions. The model is based on a modal series expansion of wave velocity based on vertical eigenfunctions, dependent on local depth and flow parameters, including propagating and evanescent modes. The latter representation is able to accurately satisfy the wave flow continuity condition and the no-entrance boundary condition on the sloping parts of the seabed. A new derivation of a simplified nonlinear system is introduced using decomposition to a mean flow and a perturbative wave field. To force the system to consider incoming waves at the inlet, boundary knowledge of periodic, travelling nonlinear water waves over a flat bottom is required. For this purpose, specific solutions are derived using the semi-analytical method based on the stream function formulation, for cases of water waves propagating above linearly and exponentially sheared currents. Results obtained by the application of the CMS concerning the propagation of waves and currents—in particular, examples characterized by depth inhomogeneities—are presented and discussed, illustrating the applicability and performance of the method. Full article
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