Novel Experimental Investigation on Vortex Induced Motions of a Tension Leg Platform
Recently, a growing interest has been seen in vortex induced motions of offshore units. These induced motions are significantly relevant for the design of mooring systems and risers of offshore platforms. This work analyzes the vortex induced motions (VIM) of a Tension Leg Platform (TLP) when submitted to currents. The model tests were carried out in the fKN@LOC/COPPE-UFRJ laboratory facilities. Furthermore, a novel arrangement to represent the TLP tendons in shallow current channels is presented and discussed. This experimental set-up is innovative since, to avoid the set down, a tower has been implemented. TLP vertical motions are restrained and necessary stiffness for horizontal modes is provided by springs. The ultra-reduced model with four square columns and four pontoons in closed configuration was built using a scale of 1:200. The range of current velocities was from 0.33 to 2.59 m/s. and five angles of attack were considered: 0, 11.25, 22.50, 33.75, 45 degrees. The reduced velocity reached a very high value of 32 for 45 degrees of heading. Results have shown that the induced motions are dependent on the angle of attack and the current speed. For zero degrees of heading a typical bell curve of VIM was observed. On the other hand, for 45 degrees, motions increase steadily with current speed.