Hydroelastic analysis of VLFS integrated with porous floating box breakwater using multi-domain boundary element method

Abstract

The present study analyses the feasibility of integrating a Very Large Floating Structure (VLFS) with a porous floating box-type breakwater kept fixed in its position to analyze the hydroelastic responses within the integrated system based on linearized wave theory. The integrated VLFS-breakwater system, comprising the VLFS and the porous box-type breakwater assures in mitigating the structural effects induced by waves. The coupled Multi-Domain Boundary Element Method (MDBEM) and Finite Difference Method (FDM) are employed to investigate the performance of integrated VLFS-breakwater system. The computational framework employs the MDBEM to model the fluid domain and the floating breakwaters, while the VLFS is modeled using the FDM approach. The study considers three distinct relative positions of the VLFS integrated with a floating breakwater on (i) the leeside, (ii) the seaside, and (iii) on both leeside and seaside of the VLFS. The numerical study is performed based on thin-plate theory and small amplitude wave theory. The study corroborates its numerical findings with existing literature, supporting the validity of its methodology. The integrated system effectively reduces forces acting on the VLFS by absorbing the primary impact of waves. Consequently, the hydroelastic response of the VLFS is reduced, preserving its structural integrity and enhancing overall safety. The study signifies the importance of integrating the porous box-type breakwater with the VLFS. The importance of the orientation of the structure towards the sea waves, the porosity of the breakwater, the effect of relative spacing between the breakwater and VLFS and variations in hydrodynamic responses with respect to the placement of the floating breakwater are thoroughly discussed. The study performed will be helpful in the design and implementation of integrated VLFS-breakwater system, enhancing their robustness and safety in maritime environments.