Non-linear Static Analysis of Offshore Steep Wave Riser

A new solution combining finite difference method and shooting method is developed to analyze the behavior of steep wave riser suffering from current loading. Based on the large deformation beam theory and mechanics equilibrium principle, a set of non-linear ordinary differential equations describing the motion of the steep wave riser are obtained. Then, finite difference method and shooting method are adopted and combined to solve the ordinary differential equations with zero moment boundary conditions at both the seabed end and surface end of the steep wave riser. The resulting non-linear finite difference formulations can be solved effectively by Newton-Raphson method. To improve iterative efficiency, shooting method is also employed to obtain the initial value for Newton-Raphson method. Results are compared with that of FEM by OrcaFlex, to verify the accuracy and reliability of the numerical method.