Objectives The articulated multiple floating structures are not only subject to wave excitation forces but also to other nonlinear loads such as connection forces, mooring forces, and diffraction forces between floats, making it challenging to predict their motion.
Methods This paper established the numerical model of motion for multiple floating structures under mooring and articulated conditions based on hydrodynamic analysis software AQWA. A comparative study was conducted on a moored single floating box to validate the numerical method. Next, the motion response and mooring tension of the double floating box system was explored under wave loads. Finally, this study summarized and analyzed the motion laws of articulated multiple floating systems.
Results Research shows that when the length of the connecting components is too short, the hydrodynamic interference between the two floating boxes is severe. Both heave and roll motions of floating boxes gradually decrease with an increase in the stiffness of the connecting components. Even a small increase in stiffness causes a sharp reduction in the roll motion of the floating box. However, the roll angle stabilizes at a certain value and does not change further with an increase in stiffness. Mooring tension is contrary to the motion response of the floating boxes.
Conclusions The discovery of motion characteristics of articulated multiple floating structures under mooring can provide a reference for the design of multiple floating structures in marine environments.
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