Experimental and Numerical Study of Horizontal Wave Impact Loads for a Semi-Submersible Drilling Unit

A semi-submersible drilling unit model was tested to estimate horizontal wave impact loads on vertical side of deckbox following the procedure recommended by DNVGL OTG-14. The present model test data show that there is clear difference in the relationships between upwell and horizontal wave impact pressure between near column/pontoon and around centerline. Near column and pontoon, not only is the maximum pressure much lower but the pressure increases more smoothly to its maximum value, compared to those of centerline. CFD simulations with focusing breaking waves have been made to examine the effect of wave-body interaction on horizontal wave impact on deck-box. The present CFD simulation results clearly show that the flows in front of column are strongly accelerated in vertical direction by blocking effect of column and pontoon, eventually producing strong run-up jets. The run-up jets in the present study are so strong that the direct impact of the incoming breaker on the wall does not occur, which leads to much smaller peak pressures, compared to those of centerline.