Author(s): Okey Nwogu; Michael Isaacson
Linked Author(s): Michael Isaacson
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The present paper considers the probability distributions of forces acting on a section of a vertical circular cylinder subjected to random short-crested waves. Expressions based on the Morison equation are provided for the probability distributions of the maxima of the resultant force, and of the single largest of such maxima occurring in a specified duration. Experiments have been carried out in the offshore wave basin of the Hydraulics Laboratory, National Research Council of Canada, in order to investigate the effect of directional spreading of wave energy on the forces on a fixed vertical circular cylinder. Probability distributions based on the expressions provided are compared with the results of numerically synthesized data and the results of the experiments. Good agreement is found between the synthesized and theoretical distributions, with a greater degree of directional spreading leading to a reduction in the magnitude of the maximum resultant forces. However, the experimental data shows some variability in comparison with the theoretical distributions.
Year: 1989