NONLINEAR IMPULSIVE PROBLEMS

Hydrodynamic loadings acting upon ocean structures have classically been computed using linear theory. Even if second order approximations exist or are being developed, the limitations of linear or weakly nonlinear models are now recognised in many situations, and especially for the prediction of the behaviour of floating ocean structures in extreme waves. With the availability of supercomputers, approximate methods have been developed to solve numerically the exact nonlinear equations in the time domain. Even though these methods are still time-consuming and therefore limited to two-dimensional or axisymmetric flows, remarkable results have been obtained, for instance for the prediction of overturning. However, difficulties remain. In particular when free surface piercing bodies are present, the behaviour of the flow in the vicinity of the waterline is still far from being understood. The Authors believe that this problem should be analysed mathematically prior to developing any reliable numerical algorithm to predict the nonlinear motion of a floating body. A simple configuration to study this problem is the motion of a vertical wavemaker in a tank of finite depth which is now becoming a standard for two-dimensional numerical wave tanks. After a general discussion of the problem, the impulsive wavemaker problem and the difficulties associated with it are considered.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Proc. 2nd Intl. Workshop on Water Waves and Floating Bodies, held Univ. Bristol, UK, 16-19 March 1987, p. 13 [4 pp., 2 ref., 1 fig.]
• Authors:
  • Cointe, R
  • Jami, A
  • Molin, B
• Publication Date: 1987

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00692397
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM