The Influence of Wave Spectrum Formulation on the Dynamics of a Turret-Moored Tanker

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to provide physical insights into the response of a turret-moored tanker in a severe sea state as a function of spectral wave characteristics. For one sea state various realizations of the wave process are applied to investigate the effect on maximum turret and anchor chain forces. Use is made of a validated mathematical model that accounts for the high and low-frequency dynamics of coupled tanker and anchor chains. Its predictions are compared with a simpler method and conclusions are drawn with respect to the significance of peak wave period, spectrum type, and chain damping.