Hydrodynamic Analysis of Tension Based Tension Leg Platform

Abstract

Tension Leg Platforms (TLPs) are one of the best options for offshore industry in deep waters due to proven motion response characteristics. These are water depth sensitive structures and the motion responses in vertical plane motions (heave, roll and pitch) are critical for a TLP. Tension Based TLP (TBTLP) is a new concept and finds application in much deeper waters. A provision of a tension base at mid-depth results in an economical design of TLP. In fact, the TLP installed at a certain depth without any modifications can be made to be deployed in much deeper water depths by means of a tension base. In this paper, the concept of TBTLP is highlighted and hydrodynamic analysis of the chosen platform has been carried out using ANSYS AQWA package. The motion responses in terms of Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs) of TBTLP with one Tension Base in surge, heave and pitch have been obtained and compared with a TLP without a tension base.

Experimental investigations on tension based tension leg platform (TBTLP)

“…This structure has been studied numerically using ANSYS® AQWA™ software (Bhaskara Rao., et al, 2012). TBTLP works on the principle of the inverted double pendulum and uses the Tension Base which is a stiffened box structure whereupon the TLP is mounted.…”

Experimental Studies on a Scaled Model of a Tension Based Tension Leg Platform under Combined Mooring and Tether Conditions

“…The feature of the TBTLP has been widely discussed in literature (Nagan, 1995(Nagan, , 2010(Nagan, and 2011. This structure has been studied numerically using ANSYS AQWA software (Bhaskara Rao, et al, 2012). In this paper, experimental investigations carried out under regular waves on a 1:150 scaled model of TBTLP under combined tether and moorings are reported.…”