Investigation on Reasons for Possible Difference Between VIM Response in the Field and in Model Tests

Author(s):  
Arjen Koop ◽  
Jaap de Wilde ◽  
André Luís Condino Fujarra ◽  
Oriol Rijken ◽  
Samuel Linder ◽  
...  

Floating offshore structures, such as production semi-submersibles and spars, can exhibit significant in-line and transverse oscillatory motions under current conditions. When caused by vortex shedding from the floater, such motions are generally called Vortex-Induced Motions (VIM). For semi-submersibles these motions could have a strong impact on the fatigue life of mooring and riser systems. Some field development studies indicate that the VIM induced fatigue damage for larger diameter Steel Catenary Risers (SCRs) can have a magnitude equal to or larger than the wave-induced fatigue damage. The VIM phenomenon for multi-column floaters is characterized by complex interactions between the flow and the motions of the floater. Presently, model tests are the preferred method to predict the VIM response of a multi-column floater. However, several studies indicate that the observed VIM response in the field is less than what is observed in model test campaigns: typical model test results are very conservative. Using such test results in the development of mooring and riser design can easily result in very conservative designs which can have a significant impact on mooring and riser cost, or even affect SCR selection and/or feasibility. The primary objective of the VIM JIP was to increase the physical insight into the VIM phenomenon. This knowledge is then used to address possible areas that could explain the differences between the results from model tests and field observations. To address these objectives, the JIP focused on model testing and CFD studies. A key segment of the JIP was the use of identical semi-submersible hull geometries for the numerical and experimental studies thereby facilitating the interpretation of the various response comparisons. The JIP identified that a CFD model, at model-scale Reynolds number, can reasonably well reproduce the VIM response observed in model tests. However, to have confidence in the CFD results extensive numerical verification studies have to be carried out. The effect of external damping was investigated in model tests and in CFD calculations. Both the numerical and experimental results show that external damping significantly reduces the VIM response. Comparisons between CFD results at model- and full-scale Reynolds number indicate that Froude scaling is applicable, with minor scale effects identified on the amplitudes of the VIM motions. Changing the mass ratio of the floater has a small influence on the VIM response. Experimentally it was found that VIM response under inline or transverse waves is slightly smaller than without the presence of waves and is wave heading and wave height dependent. The presence of waves does not explain the observed differences between model test results and field observations. The effect of unsteady current on the VIM response is minimal. Based on the results from the JIP it is concluded that increased external damping reduces the VIM response. The questions that remain are if the increased external damping is actually present in full-scale conditions and if the mooring and riser systems provide the required damping to reduce the VIM amplitudes.

Author(s):  
Charles Lefevre ◽  
Yiannis Constantinides ◽  
Jang Whan Kim ◽  
Mike Henneke ◽  
Robert Gordon ◽  
...  

Vortex-Induced Motion (VIM), which occurs as a consequence of exposure to strong current such as Loop Current eddies in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the critical factors in the design of the mooring and riser systems for deepwater offshore structures such as Spars and multi-column Deep Draft Floaters (DDFs). The VIM response can have a significant impact on the fatigue life of mooring and riser components. In particular, Steel Catenary Risers (SCRs) suspended from the floater can be sensitive to VIM-induced fatigue at their mudline touchdown points. Industry currently relies on scaled model testing to determine VIM for design. However, scaled model tests are limited in their ability to represent VIM for the full scale structure since they are generally not able to represent the full scale Reynolds number and also cannot fully represent waves effects, nonlinear mooring system behavior or sheared and unsteady currents. The use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate VIM can more realistically represent the full scale Reynolds number, waves effects, mooring system, and ocean currents than scaled physical model tests. This paper describes a set of VIM CFD simulations for a Spar hard tank with appurtenances and their comparison against a high quality scaled model test. The test data showed considerable sensitivity to heading angle relative to the incident flow as well as to reduced velocity. The simulated VIM-induced sway motion was compared against the model test data for different reduced velocities (Vm) and Spar headings. Agreement between CFD and model test VIM-induced sway motion was within 9% over the full range of Vm and headings. Use of the Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES, Shur et al 2008) turbulence model gives the best agreement with the model test measurements. Guidelines are provided for meshing and time step/solver setting selection.


Author(s):  
Michael Lau

There are a variety of model ices and test techniques adopted by model test facilities. Most often, the clients would ask: “How well can you predict the full scale performance from your model test results?” Model-scale/full-scale correlation becomes an important litmus test to validate a model test technique and its results. This paper summarizes the model-scale/full-scale correlation performed on model test data generated at the National Research Council - Ocean, Coastal, and River Engineering’s (NRC-OCRE) test facility in St. John’s. This correlation includes ship performance predictions, i.e., resistance, propulsion and maneuvering. Selected works from NRC-OCRE on the USCGC icebreaker Healy, the CCGS icebreaker Terry-Fox, the CCGS R-Class icebreakers Pierre Radisson and Sir John Franklin and the CCGS icebreaker Louis S. St. Laurent were reviewed and summarized. The model tests were conducted at NRC-OCRE’s ice tank with the correct density (CD) EGADS model ice. This correlation is based on the concept that a “correlation friction coefficient” (CFC) can be used to predict full-scale ship icebreaking resistance from model test data. The CFCs have been compared for correlation studies using good-quality full-scale information for the five icebreaker models in the NRC-OCRE’s model test database. The review has shown a good agreement between NRCOCRE’s model test predictions and full-scale measurements. The resistance and power correlation were performed for five sets of full-scale data. Although there is substantial uncertainty on ice thickness and ice strength within the full scale data sets that contributes to data scattering, the data suggest a conservative estimate can be obtained to address reasonably this uncertainty by increasing the model prediction by 15% that envelopes most data points. Limited correlation for maneuvering in ice was performed for the USCGC icebreaker Healy. Selected test conditions from the sea trials were duplicated for the maneuvering tests and turning diameters were measured from the arcs of partial circles made in the ice tank. Performance predictions were then compared to the full-scale data previously collected. Despite some discrepancy in ice strength and power level between the model tests and sea trial, the model data agree well with the sea trial data except for three outliers. Otherwise, the maneuvering data show a good correlation between the model test and sea trial results.


Author(s):  
Arjen Koop

When two vessels are positioned close to each other in a current, significant shielding or interaction effects can be observed. In this paper the current loads are determined for a LNG carrier alone, a Shuttle tanker alone and both vessels in side-by-side configuration. The current loads are determined by means of tow tests in a water basin at scale 1:60 and by CFD calculations at model-scale and full-scale Reynolds number. The objective of the measurements was to obtain reference data including shielding effects. CFD calculations at model-scale Reynolds number are carried out and compared with the model test results to determine the capability of CFD to predict the side-by-side current load coefficients. Furthermore, CFD calculations at full-scale Reynolds number are performed to determine the scale effects on current loads. We estimate that the experimental uncertainty ranges between 3% and 5% for the force coefficients CY and CMZ and between 3% and 10% for CX. Based on a grid sensitivity study the numerical sensitivity is estimated to be below 5%. Considering the uncertainties mentioned above, we assume that a good agreement between experiments and CFD calculations is obtained when the difference is within 10%. The best agreement between the model test results and the CFD results for model-scale Reynolds number is obtained for the CY coefficient with differences around 5%. For the CX coefficient the difference can be larger as this coefficient is mainly dominated by the friction component. In the model tests this force is small and therefore difficult to measure. In the CFD calculations the turbulence model used may not be suitable to capture transition from laminar to turbulent flow. A good agreement (around 5% difference) is obtained for the moment coefficient for headings without shielding effects. With shielding effects larger differences can be obtained as for these headings a slight deviation in the wake behind the upstream vessel may result in a large difference for the moment coefficient. Comparing the CFD results at full-scale Reynolds number with the CFD results at model-scale Reynolds number significant differences are found for friction dominated forces. For the CX coefficient a reduction up to 50% can be observed at full-scale Reynolds number. The differences for pressure dominated forces are smaller. For the CY coefficient 5–10% lower values are obtained at full-scale Reynolds number. The moment coefficient CMZ is also dominated by the pressure force, but up to 30% lower values are found at full-scale Reynolds number. The shielding effects appear to be slightly smaller at full-scale Reynolds number as the wake from the upstream vessel is slightly smaller in size resulting in larger forces on the downstream vessel.


Author(s):  
Gerco Hagesteijn ◽  
Patrick Hooijmans ◽  
Karola van der Meij

Model tests at ballast and design draught are used to convert the sea trial results from the ballast trial draught to the contractual design draught. Correlation allowances in model test results and their effect on the trial performance prediction are of major importance. Nowadays it is not only typical to verify the contract speed but also the EEDI certification requires a verification of the speed power performance of the vessel. The use of a to favorable CA-value may lead to attractive performance figures, but also leads to higher fuel consumption figures than expected. Furthermore the design point of the propeller is affected, which leads to a too low light running margin and in some cases to erosive cavitation. During a study, large spreading in the values of the correlation allowances for design draughts have been found for merchant vessels tested at different model test institutes, but at ballast trial draught the spreading is much less. Can it happen that some institutes select favorable correlations allowances on the basis of inaccurate trial data of shipyards? Or should we accept a large spreading in correlation allowances and have these indeed been confirmed by sea trials at design draught? This paper will present a discussion using the experience of a large full scale trial database as well as the accuracy of model and full scale tests.


Author(s):  
Oriol Rijken ◽  
Steve Leverette

Vortex Induced Motion (VIM) of a Deep Draft Semi® with four square columns has been observed in model tests and in the field for a prototype configuration. The model test observations were developed into design guidance procedures. Some of the assumptions based on the model test results are validated with the field observations. A quantitative description of the field measurements is presented. A comparison between the field observations and the design guidance is provided.


1972 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 75-79
Author(s):  
G. D. Thurman

This paper describes the pull-out manoeuvre as an indication of yaw motion stability. Results of model tests at the Admiralty Experiment Works and full-scale trials data are presented as a demonstration of ship/model correlation; additional model test results are given to illustrate use of the manoeuvre for detecting changes in stability due to alterations in ship configuration.


Author(s):  
Wojciech E. Kauczynski ◽  
Per Werenskiold ◽  
Frode Narten

Historically, approval of lifeboats is based on a “calm water” philosophy through the SOLAS regulatory regime. In spring 2005 during offshore installation tests in calm water, unacceptable structural deflection of the roof for one type of free-fall lifeboat was revealed. Immediate actions were initiated by the Norwegian Oil Industry Association (OLF) and Statoil, including the goal of studying and documenting the main performance factors for free-fall lifeboats at up to a 100-year weather condition. In addition, OLF has request to develop relevant criteria for in depth classification of performance, and finally to upgrade urgently, when relevant, all free-fall lifeboats operating on the Norwegian continental shelf to the agreed standards. The basic performance criteria of free-fall lifeboat systems in emergency conditions are: structural strength, acceleration loads on passengers during water impact, boat forward speed immediately after water entry, and the manoeuvring away to a safe distance from the installation. Within the OLF-project, MARINTEK has performed an extensive model test program (over 25000 tests) with the 14 different types of free-fall lifeboats (launched by vertical drop or from a skid). Boat performances have been examined in different weather conditions, ranging from still water up to 11m wave height (regular waves and wind) or 7m (irregular significant wave height with corresponding wind). Calm water model test results have been compared to full-scale test results. In order to extend prognosis of the lifeboat performances up to 100-year storm condition (Hs = 15.7m), special extrapolation methods have been developed for studying the three basic performance areas, augmented by computer simulations applied for higher sea states. This paper presents example results and experiences gained from the model tests, full-scale tests and combined use of simulations and model test results. Experimental model test set-up and applied analysis and extrapolation methods are reviewed. Finally, the application of newly proposed performance and technical criteria is discussed.


1998 ◽  
Vol 14 (04) ◽  
pp. 265-276
Author(s):  
Ivo Senjanovic

This review paper covers extensive investigations which were undertaken in order to verify the idea of launching of ships and other floating structures from a horizontal berth by a set of turning pads. This includes structural dynamics during launching, model tests and strength analysis of the structure and the launching system. The most important results, which were used for the design of the launching system, are presented. The preparation of a barge for side launching is described, and the full-scale measurement results are compared with the test results. The advantages of building ships and offshore structures on a horizontal berth are pointed out in the conclusion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 153 (A2) ◽  
Author(s):  
R P Dallinga ◽  
R H M Huijsmans

Historically “scale effects” in the interpretation of tests with scale models in waves using Froude’s Law of Similitude are mostly associated with viscous effects. Nowadays, with a much more complete modelling of reality and a focus on higher order non-linear phenomena, scaling of model test results implies a wider range of assumptions than the validity of Froude’s Law. Our contribution to the conference is a visionary review of contemporary and future problems in the interpretation of these tests. In this context we will discuss the developments in test techniques, including the development of a new Two-Phase Laboratory facilitating seakeeping and sloshing tests at reduced air pressure.


Author(s):  
Gaute Storhaug ◽  
Erlend Moe ◽  
Ricardo Barreto Portella ◽  
Tomazo Garzia Neto ◽  
Nelson Luiz Coelho Alves ◽  
...  

It is well known that ships vibrate due to waves. The wave induced vibrations of the hull girder are referred to as springing (resonance) and whipping (transient vibration from impacts). These vibrations contribute to the fatigue damage of fatigue sensitive details. An Ore Carrier of 400 000 dwt is currently being built by DSME, and at time of delivery, it will be the world’s largest bulk (ore) carrier. The scantlings of large ships must be carefully designed with respect to global loading, and when extending the design beyond experience, it is also wise to consider all aspects that may affect operation and the life time costs. The vessel will also enter a long term contract and is therefore to be evaluated for 30 year Brazil-China operation. In order to minimize the risk of fatigue damage, the vessel is designed according to DNV’s class notation CSA-2 requiring direct calculations of the loading and strength. Further it has been requested to include the effect of springing and whipping in the design. Reliable numerical tools for assessing the additional fatigue effect of vibrations are non-existing. DNV has, however, developed an empirical guidance on how the additional effect may be taken into account based on previous development projects related to the effect of vibrations on large ore carriers Due to the size and route of operation of the new design, it has, however, been required by the owner to carry out model tests in both ballast and cargo condition in order to quantify the contribution from vibration. The results from this project have been used for verification and further calibration of DNV’s existing empirical guidance. A test program has been designed for the purpose of evaluating the consequence in head seas for the Brazil to China trade. Full scale measurements from previous development projects of ore carriers and model tests have been utilized to convert the current model tests results into estimated full scale results for the 400 000 dwt vessels. It is further important to carefully consider how the vibrations are to be included in the design verification, and to develop a procedure for taking into account the vibrations which results in reasonable scantlings based on in-service experience with similar designs and trades. This procedure has been developed, and a structural verification has been carried out for the design. The final outcome of the model test was in line with previous experience and in overall agreement with DNV’s empirical guidance, showing a significant contribution from vibrations to the fatigue damage. The springing/whipping vibrations more than doubled the fatigue damage compared to fatigue evaluation of the isolated wave induced loading. The cargo condition vibrated relatively more than experienced on smaller vessels. Various sources to establish the wave conditions for the Brazil to China ore trade were used, and the different sources resulted in significant differences in the predicted fatigue life of the design.


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