Thorough Verification and Validation of CFD Prediction of FPSO Wind Load for Confident Applications

Abstract

This paper presents our verification work on CFD modeling practice for the prediction of FPSO wind loads. The modeling practice was developed from the TESK CFD JDP [1]. In the verification, the measured data from a benchmark model test were used to check CFD simulation results. The exact physical model of the model test was used in the numerical modeling (model-of-the-model). To establish high confidence in the CFD modeling and simulations, the modeling practice was thoroughly verified, which covered the following critical elements: mesh resolution, domain size, outlet boundary condition, turbulence model, Reynolds effect, wind profile, prism layer effect on total wind forces, effects of the gap between wind tunnel floor and model bottom, blockage effect due to tunnel side walls and ceiling, and effects of geometry details (small size pipes). The verification results show that CFD can be used as an alternative tool for predicting wind loads and moments on a FPSO for engineering purposes following the modeling practice, and careful QA and QC.