Wave Impact Loads on Vertical Circular Cylinder and the effect of Hydrophobic Surface

Abstract

Peculiarly cylindrical legs on offshore platforms constantly are exerted vigorously to wave stresses. For their lifetime, a test on structural deformations and pressure measurements is taken. Experimental research on the wave forces affecting cylindrical structures is presented. To determine pressure distributions and deformations in the altered cylinder's surface properties by applying a hydrophobic coating. Hence, the angle at which water drops hit the surface has increased, thus, decreasing water adhesion to the surface. The geometric modification or additional weight coated on the cylinders' surfaces is not notable. Wave loads with various amplitudes and frequencies were applied repeatedly to cylinders with hydrophobic and hydrophilic surface materials. Three pressure sensors and a strain gauge were used to measure pressure distributions and the cylinders' surface deformations respectively. Two cylinders' fluctuation in pressure is carefully examined and analyzed. Cylinder's pressure response for hydrophobic surfaces varied based on the sensor's location by lowering the maximum pressure or the impact time. The structural deformations due to changing surface properties and strain readings were contrasted. The structural deformation changed, with the impacting wave distributed throughout the surface. Image processing demonstrates the variation in the water body's volume to which the surface is exposed, reinforcing this finding.