Optimal design and hydrodynamic response analysis of deep water mooring system with submerged buoys

ABSTRACT

Based on the traditional catenary mooring system, a new optimised mooring system with submerged buoys is proposed. The idea and method in optimal design of mooring system with buoys are introduced first. Then, the governing equations of mooring line and the coupled model of platform with its mooring system are built. Finally, the global responses of a semi-submersible platform with mooring lines attached buoys are numerically simulated in time domain, and the effects of buoy size and position are investigated. The results would be helpful for expanding the design water depth of catenary mooring system.

KEYWORDS:

• Catenary mooring system
• buoy
• optimal design
• motion response
• tension

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China [grant number 2016YFE0200100]; National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 51490672], [grant number 51761135011]; the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.