A semi-coupled methodology for the motion analysis of floating production systems

ABSTRACTThis work describes a hybrid, semi-coupled methodology for motion analyses of Floating Production Systems, combining coupled and uncoupled models. The goal is to overcome the high computational costs associated with fully coupled analyses, allowing its use in preliminary design stages where the focus is on the main parameters associated with the design of the mooring system (hull motions and line tensions). Its main characteristic is the ability, with minimal user interference, to represent all nonlinear effects associated to the mooring lines and risers, and consider their influence on the dynamic behaviour of the hull. Results of a case study indicate that this methodology presents an adequate accuracy, with striking reductions of computational costs.