Ultradeepwater Monobuoys
This work deals with the analysis and design of monobuoys for deep waters. The monobuoy performance evaluation is carried out using a time domain computer program due to the non linearities present in this problem. This program is used to simulate the behavior of the monobuoy under the action of waves, wind and current. A coupled analysis between the floater and the mooring lines, considering its inertia, is also employed. Initially a validation study is conducted comparing the numerical simulations with model test results for a 400 meters water depth CALM buoy. The test comprises an operational condition with a tanker connected to the buoy under the action of wave, current and wind loads. From these results a calibration procedure of the numerical simulation is proposed and different hull forms are assessed in order to verify its global behavior. The main objective is to check if there are improvements in comparison with more conventional shapes relatively to the riser forces in the connection point.