Physical Simulation of the Hull-Tether Coupled Dynamics of a Deepwater TLP

The behavior of TLP merits rigorous numerical and experimental studies. Understanding the coupled dynamics is crucial towards establishing the safety of the structure on survival conditions in one hand and optimization of structure geometry for superior performance on the other. The hull-tether coupled dynamics that occur in very deep water cannot be accurately studied through model tests due to depth limitations of the existing model testing facilities and possible scale effects (in the case of ultra-small scale models). In this paper an experimental methodology is presented for physically simulating the coupled behavior of a single column TLP in a wave basin having dimensions 30m × 30m × 3m. Combination of model tests and numerical analysis were carried out. The experimental results are presented for hull motions, tether displacements and dynamic tether tension. The tether profiles indicate hull-tether coupling vividly. The results establish the success of the experimental methodology and importance of coupled behavior.