Effect of current on the hydroelastic behaviour of floating flexible circular structure

Abstract

An analytical model of wave-current interaction with a moored floating circular structure has been developed using Timoshenko-Mindlin beam theory. The analytical solution is derived utilising the matched eigenfunction expansion method, combined with orthogonal relations and Bessel functions. The convergence study of the analytical solution for different current speeds on the deflection amplitude, bending moment, and shear forces is demonstrated. Further, the correctness of the current solution is validated against existing published numerical results and experimental datasets and multiple outcomes of vertical displacement, bending moment, shear force, reflection and transmission coefficients on the current speed, and various design and physical parameters are examined. It has been noted that the current speed influences the structural responses significantly, and the present analysis may help understand the design parameters needed to model a VLFS application for ocean space utilisation.