HYDRODYNAMIC FORCES ON GROUPS OF CYLINDERS

A method is proposed which can be used to optimize the spacing of multiple-cylinder supports for offshore structures that are subjected to time dependent hydrodynamic forces. Recently an exact analytical equation was obtained in closed form which predicts fluid forces on any number of cylinders in arbitrary motions. Using the general equation, a numerical experimentation was conducted on a 4 x 4 cylinder array subjected to oscillating flow wherein wake effects are negligible. The results indicate that if the cylinders are equally spaced in both directions, the total hydrodynamic load on the entire rig is constant and independent of the angle of attack. Forces on individual cylinders are also usually smaller than for other types of arrays. Thus equally spaced arrays are recommended for offshore drilling rigs.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the Eighth Annual Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, May 3-6, 1976.
• Corporate Authors:

  Offshore Technology Conference

  6200 North Central Expressway
  Dallas, TX  United States  45206
• Authors:
  • Yamamoto, T
  • Nath, J H
• Conference:
  • Presented at the Eighth Annual Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, May 3-6, 1976.
• Publication Date: 1976-5

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 759-768

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Force; Offshore drilling platforms; Offshore platforms; Waves
• Old TRIS Terms: Wave forces on structures
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Marine Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00138194
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Offshore Technology Conference
• Report/Paper Numbers: V1, OTC 2499 Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 23 1976 12:00AM