Motion Characteristics and Drag-Reduction Optimization of Moonpool Drillships in Irregular Waves

Abstract

This study analyzes the effects of different moonpool configurations on drillship hydrodynamics using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations. A three-dimensional numerical wave tank is established to realize the prediction and validation of the hydrodynamic performance of irregular waves and the interaction between irregular waves and structures. Combined with the selection of the drillships with relatively favorable resistance performance among different moonpool configurations under calm-water navigation conditions, further studies are carried out on the motion characteristics and drag-reduction optimization of the rectangular- and square-moonpool drillships under irregular wave conditions. Comparative analysis of the numerical results shows that different moonpool shapes result in different drag-increase effects under calm-water conditions, and the moonpool-induced drag increase mainly originates from added residuary resistance. Relative to the non-moonpool baseline drillship, the installation of a moonpool under irregular wave conditions notably elevates the resistance amplitude and amplifies the heave and pitch responses, with a more prominent impact observed on pitch, while also modifying the natural frequency characteristics of the moonpool-equipped drillship. Introducing appropriate rounded corners at the bottom of the moonpool can effectively reduce the resistance of the moonpool drillship and significantly decrease the amplitudes of heave and pitch responses under irregular wave conditions. Based on the present study, a bottom rounded-corner radius of 40 mm effectively improves the hydrodynamic performance of the moonpool drillship in irregular waves. The numerical results provide direct theoretical and design guidance for drag reduction and motion-performance enhancement of moonpool-equipped drillships, highlighting their engineering applicability.

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