Dynamic Response Characteristics of Tension Leg Platforms with Flexibility Variations in Waves
The dynamic response characteristics with flexibility variations are examined for presenting the basic data for design of Tension Leg Platforms(TLPs)in waves. A numerical approach is based on the dynamic response analysis theory, in which the superstructure of TLPs is assumed flexible instead of the rigid body assumption used in two-step analysis method. The hydrodynamic interactions among TLP members, such as columns and pontoons are not included in the motion and structural analyse. The equations of motion of a whole structure are formulated using element-fixed coordinate systems which have the origin at the node of the each hull element.