Iterative methodology for response based analysis of an FPSO mooring system

Response based analysis (RBA) has been developed for prediction of extreme N-year return period responses and design metocean conditions of offshore structures. For applying the RBA, the behaviour of the offshore system subjected to a long history of metocean conditions needs to be predicted, and then, the probabilistic analysis is applied to estimate its long-term responses. Due to the large number of analysis cases required, the structural simulation is usually performed either by simplifying the structural model or by using computationally efficient tools, such as frequency-domain (FD) analysis. These approaches usually decrease the accuracy of predictions mainly when they are utilized for nonlinear systems. On the other hand, employing time-domain (TD) simulations leads to more accurate results but it is computationally expensive. Application of RBA for a weathervaning FPSO, which is the subject of the present study, makes TD analysis an essential requirement because of a highly nonlinear behaviour of the system. In the present study, an efficient methodology is proposed that aims at reducing the computational efforts of RBA by joint application of TD and FD simulations in combining the structural and statistical analyses through a single process, such that the number of time-consuming TD simulations is minimized. After initial screening using the results from FD simulations, the methodology identifies the response events (storms) that contribute the most to the N-year response and sets out an iterative process in which only those events that are most important are analysed by fully-coupled TD simulations. Within such events, a similar approach is also applied to intervals (sea states) where only the most contributing intervals are analysed in TD, and the remaining intervals are left for a less accurate FD analysis without sacrificing the overall accuracy. The proposed methodology provides a robust framework for distinguishing between “mild” and “severe” response events, without specifying any predefined limits for the metocean parameters or making a subjective judgement. Although it is developed for the mooring system of a weathervaning FPSO, it should also be applicable to any type of offshore structure and any structural response. This paper is the first part of the study and concentrates on the development of the efficient methodology to optimize the application of RBA to FPSO mooring systems, whilst its detailed application is subject of the second part of the study.     

利用一种改进的模态应变能法诊断海洋平台结构的损伤（英文）

The development of robust damage detection methods for offshore structures is crucial to prevent catastrophes caused by structural failures. In this research, we developed an Improved Modal Strain Energy(IMSE) method for detecting damage in offshore platform structures based on a traditional modal strain energy method(the Stubbs index method). The most significant difference from the Stubbs index method was the application of modal frequencies. The goal was to improve the robustness of the traditional method. To demonstrate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed IMSE method, both numerical and experimental studies were conducted for different damage scenarios using a jacket platform structure. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the IMSE method in damage location when only limited, spatially incomplete, and noise-polluted modal data is available. Comparative studies showed that the IMSE index outperformed the Stubbs index and exhibited stronger robustness, confirming the superiority of the proposed approach.     

An improved modal strain energy method for damage detection in offshore platform structures

The development of robust damage detection methods for offshore structures is crucial to prevent catastrophes caused by structural failures. In this research, we developed an Improved Modal Strain Energy (IMSE) method for detecting damage in offshore platform structures based on a traditional modal strain energy method (the Stubbs index method). The most significant difference from the Stubbs index method was the application of modal frequencies. The goal was to improve the robustness of the traditional method. To demonstrate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed IMSE method, both numerical and experimental studies were conducted for different damage scenarios using a jacket platform structure. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the IMSE method in damage location when only limited, spatially incomplete, and noise-polluted modal data is available. Comparative studies showed that the IMSE index outperformed the Stubbs index and exhibited stronger robustness, confirming the superiority of the proposed approach.     

Experimental and analytical investigations on the response of stiffened plates subjected to lateral collisions

Rational structural design of ships or offshore platforms against collisions requires prediction of the extent of damage to stiffened plates generated by lateral impact. In predicting the extent of collision damage, most researchers employ numerical analysis methods using commercial software packages. Like other structural problems, any nonlinear dynamic analysis methods should be substantiated with relevant test data prior to being employed for design. Unfortunately, full-scale collision tests on marine structures are very rare. Still, results from collision tests on marine structural elements can help to substantiate theoretical methods for collision analyses. Lateral collision test data for unstiffened plates are available, but it is difficult to find results from tests on stiffened plates in the open literature. In this paper, the results of lateral collision tests on 33 stiffened plates are reported. A simplified analytical method is developed for the prediction of the extent of damage to stiffened plates due to lateral collisions and this method is substantiated with the test results. Also proposed is a simple criterion with which the occurrence of crack damage can be judged.     

一种改进的海洋平台结构损伤诊断方法研究(英文)

In the exploitation of ocean oil and gas, many offshore structures may be damaged due to the severe environment, so an effective method of diagnosing structural damage is urgently needed to locate the damage and evaluate its severity. Genetic algorithms have become some of the most important global optimization tools and been widely used in many fields in recent years because of their simple operation and strong robustness. Based on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure, the damage diagnosis of a jacket offshore platform is attributed to an optimization problem and studied by using a genetic algorithm. According to the principle that the structural stiffness of a certain direction can be greatly affected only when the brace bar in the corresponding direction is damaged, an improved objective function was proposed in this paper targeting measurement noise and the characteristics of modal identification for offshore platforms. This function can be used as fitness function of a genetic algorithm, and both numerical simulation and physical model test results show that the improved method may locate the structural damage and evaluate the severity of a jacket offshore platform satisfactorily while improving the robustness of evolutionary searching and the reliability of damage diagnosis.     

A new time-frequency analysis method based on single mode function decomposition for offshore wind turbines

The Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) has been widely applied and recognised as a powerful time-frequency analysis method for nonlinear and non-stationary signals in numerous engineering fields. One of its major challenges is that the HHT is frequently subject to mode mixing in the processing of practical signals such as those of offshore wind turbines, as the frequencies of offshore wind turbines are typically close and contaminated by noise. To address this issue, this paper proposes a new time-frequency analysis method based on single mode function (SMF) decomposition to overcome the mode mixing problem in the structural health monitoring (SHM) of offshore wind turbines. In this approach, the structural vibration signal is first decomposed into a set of window components using complex exponential decomposition. A state-space model is introduced in the signal decomposition to improve the numerical stability of the decomposition, and then a novel window-alignment strategy, named energy gridding, is proposed and the signals are constructed in the corresponding gridding. Furthermore, energy recollection is implemented in each gridding, and the reassembling of these components yields an SMF that is comparable to the intrinsic mode function (IMF) of the HHT, but with a significant improvement in terms of mode mixing. Four case studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The first case attempts to detect three different frequencies in a simulated time-invariant signal. The second case attempts to test a synthesised signal with segmental time-varying frequencies (each segment contains three different frequencies components). The analysis results in these two cases indicate that mode mixing can be reduced by the proposed method. Furthermore, a synthesised signal with slowly varying frequencies is used. These analysis results demonstrate the effective suppression of non-relevant frequency components using SMF decomposition. In the third case, the experimental data from vortex-induced vibration (VIV) experiments sponsored by the Norwegian Deepwater Programme (NDP) are used to evaluate the proposed SMF decomposition for vibration mode identification. In the final case, field data acquired from an offshore wind turbine foundation and offshore wind turbine are analysed. The mode identification results obtained using SMF decomposition are compared with those produced by the HHT. The comparison demonstrates superior performance of the proposed method in identifying the vibration modes of the VIV experimental and field data.     

Structural Health Monitoring of Offshore Buoyant Leg Storage and Regasification Platform: Experimental Investigations

Offshore platforms are of high strategic importance, whose preventive maintenance is on top priority. Buoyant Leg Storage and Regasification Platforms (BLSRP) are special of its kind as they handle LNG storage and processing, which are highly hazardous. Implementation of structural health monitoring (SHM) to offshore platforms ensures safe operability and structural integrity. Prospective damages on the offshore platforms under rare events can be readily identified by deploying dense array of sensors. A novel scheme of deploying wireless sensor network is experimentally investigated on an offshore BLSRP, including postulated failure modes that arise from tether failure. Response of the scaled model under wave loads is acquired by both wired and wireless sensors to validate the proposed scheme. Proposed wireless sensor network is used to trigger alert monitoring to communicate the unwarranted response of the deck and buoyant legs under the postulated failure modes. SHM triggers the alert mechanisms on exceedance of the measured data with that of the preset threshold values; alert mechanisms used in the present study include email alert and message pop-up to the validated user accounts. Presented study is a prima facie of SHM application to offshore platforms, successfully demonstrated in lab scale.     

离岸浮力腿存储和再气化平台结构健康监测的试验研究（英文）

Offshore platforms are of high strategic importance, whose preventive maintenance is on top priority. Buoyant Leg Storage and Regasification Platforms(BLSRP) are special of its kind as they handle LNG storage and processing, which are highly hazardous. Implementation of structural health monitoring(SHM) to offshore platforms ensures safe operability and structural integrity.Prospective damages on the offshore platforms under rare events can be readily identified by deploying dense array of sensors. A novel scheme of deploying wireless sensor network is experimentally investigated on an offshore BLSRP, including postulated failure modes that arise from tether failure. Response of the scaled model under wave loads is acquired by both wired and wireless sensors to validate the proposed scheme. Proposed wireless sensor network is used to trigger alert monitoring to communicate the unwarranted response of the deck and buoyant legs under the postulated failure modes. SHM triggers the alert mechanisms on exceedance of the measured data with that of the preset threshold values; alert mechanisms used in the present study include email alert and message pop-up to the validated user accounts. Presented study is a prima facie of SHM application to offshore platforms, successfully demonstrated in lab scale.     

Development of simplified method for prediction of structural response of stiffened plates under explosion loads

During their lifetime, marine structures may be exposed to accidental loadings such as from collisions or explosions, as well as environmental loadings such as from slamming, sloshing and green water. Such loadings can cause damage to structures. Therefore, to minimize such damage, advanced and robust design guidelines should be formulated. Among those loads, in this study, explosions imparting an impulsive pressure loading containing a rapid increase in pressure and a short duration that can cause serious casualties, property losses, and marine pollution were considered. In this paper, a practical and robust method for damage assessment of marine structures exposed to explosion loads based on a single degree of freedom (SDOF) system and numerical simulations is proposed. The SDOF method was improved by introduction of new and better idealization resistance for the system and consideration of the effect of strain-rate, and subsequently was verified by a numerical method developed using the commercial ABAQUS software package. The numerical method was itself validated by comparison with relevant pulse pressure test data available in the open literature (good correlation was shown). Based on the validated numerical models, a rigorous parametric study of the structural response of stiffened plates having actual scantlings of offshore structures was performed. The numerically obtained maximum deformations were compared with the results from the improved SDOF method in a parametric study, and the variation of both methods was verified. Finally, simple yet accurate and reliable formulations for prediction of structural response were empirically derived. These formulations are expected to be usefully employed as a first-hand tool for prediction of damage extent of marine structures (including offshore structures) due to explosion loads.     

计算小波分布判定海洋平台结构损伤方法研究

由于海洋平台结构长期处于恶劣的海洋环境中,并受到各种载荷的交互作用,结构容易产生各种形式的损伤。因此,对海洋平台进行实时监测有着十分重要的现实意义。本文以单筒简易导管架平台为例,主要在结构损伤的判定和定位两方面对海洋平台的实时结构健康监测进行研究,结果表明通过对结构响应信号进行小波分析,小波变换系数和小波包能量分布可以很好地定义损伤识别指标。     

Temporal and spectral characteristics of seismic ground motions: Offshore versus onshore

To distinguish offshore and onshore seismic ground motions, conventional analyses in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA) and earthquake response spectrum (ERS) have been carried out in a recent work by authors and other papers in literature. In the present study, distinct temporal and spectral characteristics between onshore and offshore earthquake ground motions are further investigated in time-domain and frequency-domain. The data used is 69 pairs of concurrent onshore and offshore ground motions collected from the Kyoshin Network (K-NET). Each pair of data are of approximately identical epicenter distances. Comparisons are made on zero-up-crossing period (T_z), peak-to-trough acceleration range (A_pt) and period (T_pt), duration of ground motion (T_d), predominant frequency (f_p) and the spectral bandwidth parameter (ε). The results indicate that for offshore horizontal and vertical seismic signals, statistics of T_z, T_pt, T_d and predominant period T_p tend to be larger than the onshore counterparts. Meanwhile, ε of the offshore vertical ground motions is also greater. Through the proposed energy ratio (ER) analysis, the spectral energy of offshore ground motion is found to shift to moderate and low frequency bands. The time-frequency analysis conducted by Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) shows that the Hilbert spectra of offshore accelerations contain larger spectral energy than the onshore counterpart but the corresponding instantaneous frequencies at peak energy are smaller, especially for horizontal recordings. Therefore, larger dynamic response of offshore structures is prone to be induced by the offshore ground excitation. This is further validated through the dynamic analysis of a marine pipeline in case study.     

考虑细长杆件不同坠落角度的海洋平台甲板损伤预报方法

[目的]在海洋平台吊装作业中,因吊机设备老化以及违规操作等而造成的坠物事故在海洋平台作业中时有发生,其中在杆件结构,如套管、钻铤等设备方面的问题最为常见,因杆件坠落时接触面积小,常会导致板架结构的损伤破坏。[方法]选取细长杆件坠物撞击甲板结构的场景开展结构损伤研究。在此基础上,考虑坠落角度对结构损伤的影响,确定结构损伤变形模型,并运用塑性力学理论,建立考虑杆件坠落角度影响的结构损伤解析预报方法。[结果]结果显示,小角度坠落场景下的结构损伤变形大,结构吸能高,根据结构响应可将坠落角度分为4个角度区间;解析计算结果与仿真计算得到的吸能曲线在数值以及变化趋势上相近。[结论]在杆状结构以一定角度撞击甲板结构时,甲板产生的塑性变形区域形状会随着撞深而产生变化,针对各阶段甲板变形特点的解析计算对海洋平台甲板板架结构抗撞设计评估具有一定的指导意义。     

畸形波作用下半潜平台运动响应研究

海洋结构物的水动力性能研究对于安全、经济的工程设计至关重要.近年来,由海浪巨大波浪引起的事故越来越多地见诸报道,因此,有必要深入研究波浪尤其是畸形波对结构物产生的载荷及运动响应.海上浮式平台的运动响应与系泊载荷密切相关,而文中的出发点正是研究在何种波浪条件下会引起平台的最大运动响应.通过对一座设计作业水深为500 m的半潜式平台进行频域计算,获得了平台在自由漂浮状态下的响应函数(RAO),并与实验数据进行了比较.通过时域模拟,获得了新年波和"三姐妹"波作用下的平台运动响应,研究了畸形波的存在对于平台运动的影响.此外,还研究了畸形波中最大波峰值及连续大波的出现间隔对平台垂荡和纵摇运动的影响,可为后续研究和工程设计提供参考.     

光纤Bragg光栅加速度传感器研究进展

阐述了基于光纤Bragg光栅原理的加速度传感器的基本原理,重点介绍了国内外基于光纤Bragg光栅理论开发的用于结构关键参数测试的加速度传感器的研究进展,研究表明,多数传感器已经考虑了实际测量的需要,具有广阔的应用空间,部分传感器的研究还有待进一步提高。     

A signal decomposition method based on repeated extraction of maximum energy component for offshore structures

Contrary to most signal decomposition methods that usually decompose an original signal into a series of components simultaneously, a novel approach based on repeated extraction of Maximum Energy Component (MEC) is proposed. The approach starts from determination of the MEC referring to the estimated Power Spectral Density (PSD) function, and then represents the MEC by employing an exponential function to fit the original signal. By defining a stopping criterion based on two adjacent estimated PSDs, each MEC can be accurately extracted with an improved performance throughout the entire signal decomposition. To verify the proposed method, a single degree-of-freedom system subject to harmonic loads has been examined. Numerical results show that the analytical response can not only be decomposed into four MECs corresponding to the excitation and the system, respectively, but also provide an accurate estimation of natural frequency and damping ratio of the system. Meanwhile, by observing results from the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD), Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) and Prony based on state-space model (Prony-SS), an improved decomposition accuracy has been achieved from the proposed approach. Furthermore, experimental data from the Norwegian Deepwater Programme and two sets of field-test data from one fixed offshore platform and an offshore wind turbine have been used to demonstrate the correctness of the developed signal decomposition method. It is noted that divergence in results by Prony-SS can be observed when a very large model order is used, while the proposed method provides the better decomposition and reconstruction of signals.     

单点系泊系统将军柱疲劳分析

渤海某FPSO的单点系泊装置固定塔架由导管架、将军柱和上部组块构成,其中将军柱是系泊力的主要承受构件之一,其结构安全至关重要。由于系泊力是典型的交变载荷,作用在结构上会产生疲劳损伤,因此有必要对将军柱进行在位期间的疲劳分析。本文提出一种长期海况下海上固定装置疲劳计算方法,通过AQWA软件建立单点系泊系统的多体耦合水动力模型模型,根据渤海的海况环境资料计算出FPSO运动时域内所受到的的系泊力;基于S-N曲线方法与Miner线性累计损伤理论,通过nCode Designlife疲劳计算软件计算将军柱结构的疲劳寿命和管节点的疲劳损伤;评估结构的疲劳强度,分析易发生疲劳的关键节点位置,并给出增加管节点疲劳寿命的建议及设计方法,为相同类型的海上固定式结构物的结构设计及疲劳分析提供有益的参考及借鉴。     

一种基于改进的减缩模型修正方法

提出一种改进的模型修正方法,该方法采用多目标优化技术使得结构的减缩模型与实测结果相吻合。即首先建立一个多目标优化模型,其中包括一个关于单元修正系数的隐式非线性特征方程组,然后通过遗传算法来求解该多目标优化问题,来同时实现模型修正和损伤检测。文中通过对一个悬臂梁的数值仿真,表明本文所提出的方法的有效性,即在较大的测量噪声的情况下,同时具有模型修正和损伤检测两种功能,且较改进前的基于迭代的方法具有更好的噪声鲁棒性。     

基于CAN总线的水下机器人分布式控制系统

提出并实现了一种基于CAN总线的水下机器人分布式控制系统。与传统的集中式控制系统相比,分布式控制系统可以很容易地接入功能模块而无须对现有硬件进行重新设计,具有更好的可扩展性;并且各个节点间采用数字信号通讯,具有很强的抗干扰能力。开发了基于工业控制计算机的半实物仿真系统,模拟执行机构节点和传感器的工作,接入已完成的自动驾驶仪节点和数据记录及故障检测节点,对控制系统进行实时仿真测试,测试结果验证了该分布式控制系统设计的可行性。     

Probabilistic time series prediction of ship structural response using Volterra series

This study targets to develop a computational procedure to predict the structural response of a ship voyaging through irregular seaways taking into account the relevant uncertainties from probability perspective. To achieve the goal, ship structural response under random wave excitation was assumed to be linear one and represented by linear Volterra series, which is expanded by linear combination of Laguerre polynomials. Then the unknown Laguerre coefficients were treated as random variables, the probability of which was sought by solving Bayesian linear regression model using prepared data sets. For the validation of the proposed methodology, a single DOF linear oscillator model with artificial damping uncertainties was introduced and time series of the system response was predicted probabilistically. For more practical and realistic application, 400,000 DWT VLOC model ship experimental data was analyzed and vertical bending moment time series were probabilistically predicted using the proposed method. On top of probabilistic time series prediction of model ship, the fatigue damage was also estimated based on the stochastic time series obtained using predicted probabilistic time series data.     

异常波及其对海上结构铃振现象的影响

海上结构物的铃振(Ringing)现象是新近发现的一种高频共振响应现象,对结构物有显著的破坏作用。从实测资料中发现,在恶劣海况下发生的具有强非线性和非对称性的异常波(Freakwave)有可能引起海上结构物的铃振响应。文中综述了可能引起铃振响应的异常波的研究现状及成果,分析了其能量分布,并指出异常波是海上结构物产生铃振现象的机理之一。