A stability analysis of tandem offloading systems at sea

In this article, we analyze the linear stability of tandem offloading systems in wind, current, and waves. The wind and current forces are evaluated with the help of published experimental data, while the hydrodynamic coefficients and wave drift forces are rigorously estimated by using a three-dimensional singularity distribution method based on potential theory. The bow hawser and mooring lines are described quasistatically by elastic catenary equations. In order to examine the linear static and dynamic stability of the system, the equations for surge, sway, and yaw are linearized. The effect of design parameters such as turret position, mooring stiffness, and hawser length and stiffness on stability is investigated based on linearized model. The stability analysis clarifies the mechanism of the limit cycle for tandem offloading systems, which is known as fishtailing motion. The theoretical results of the shape and amplitude of the limit cycle are found to be in good agreement with those of simulations and experiments.