Numerical simulation for predicting the respose of an offshore heavy lift barge in regular and irregular waves

Abstract

This study case concerns the prediction of the hydrodynamic response of an offshore heavy lift barge in the regular and irregular waves. The study focuses on predicting the six degrees of freedom responses for the barge in the operation condition when the ship speed is equal to zero, at various heading angles (0~180˚) and for several wave frequencies (0.02~2.0 rad/s). The numerical simulation is carried out using the 3D diffraction /radiation motion solver Hydrostar software that is based on potential theory to predict the wave-body interactions. All the hydrostatics, loading and sailing aspects are initially estimated, and then introduced as an input in the simulation process corresponding to the ship speed and heading directions. For the irregular sea simulations, the ITTC spectrum is used to describe the wave for a generic study case in the Black Sea to make the study feasible for offshore applications in operational conditions where the ship speed is equal to zero.