The Influence of a Multi-Layer Porous Plate Structure on a Horizontally Moored Very Large Floating Structure: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Due to their unique structural configuration, Very Large Floating Structures (VLFS) exhibit significant hydroelastic responses during their motion in the water. These responses, which are a result of the interaction between the structure and the waves, can lead to undesirable vibrations and deformations, potentially compromising the stability and performance of the VLFS. Reducing the hydroelastic response in VLFS has become a critical research focus for scholars worldwide. In the field of marine engineering, various methods are employed to address this issue, with the use of porous structures being one of the most effective solutions. These porous structures help to dissipate the energy of propagating waves, thereby reducing the magnitude of hydroelastic responses. This paper introduces a multi-layer porous plate structure designed to mitigate the hydroelastic response of horizontally moored VLFS. The proposed structure consists of multiple layers of porous plates strategically arranged to optimize the dissipation of wave energy. To evaluate the performance of this structure, a series of physical model tests were conducted, focusing on the hydrodynamic behavior of the VLFS with the multi-layer porous plate structure. The experimental results indicate that within a specific wavelength range, the properly configured multi-layer porous plate structure can significantly reduce the hydroelastic response of the VLFS. This reduction is especially noticeable in the attenuation of wave-induced forces, leading to a decrease in the structural vibrations and enhancing the stability of the floating system. The findings demonstrate that this innovative design can provide a reliable method for improving the performance of VLFS in challenging marine environments.

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