Dynamic response analysis of load transfer of topsides from T-barge onto twin-barge in floatover installation

The twin-barge floatover method is a promising approach in the topsides installation of the offshore platform. However, the topsides transfer onto the twin-barge is a challenging task and is seldom investigated. This study focuses on the floatover load transfer operation of the topsides onto the twin-barge by a T-shaped barge and investigates the dynamic responses of the three proximate barges in the operation. The floatover mating process was experimentally simulated by three representative intermediate stages, including 0%, 50%, and 100% stages. The barge and topsides motions, the relative motions of mating points, the contact loads on mating units, tether forces, and mooring forces at various environmental conditions were analyzed. The three floating barges experienced large surge drift motions as well as the sway and yaw drift motions in head seas because of the unsymmetrical configurations. Although a relative radial distance between mating points occurred and exceeded the capture radius of the mating unit at limited instants, the relative motions were to a great extent within the capture radius, indicating the feasibility of the twin-barge floatover method. Comparisons of the loads at the three stages show that the mating units and the tether lines were subjected to larger impact impulse loads at the 0% stage than the 100% stage.     

Investigation on fatigue characteristics of transparent submersible manned cabin structure

Fatigue life prediction of transparent submersible manned cabin (TSMC) structure is investigated. Firstly, a simplified mechanical model of a cylindrical shell-hemispherical shell (CS-HS) structure is established, and the strength characteristic of the TSMC structure is gained, as well as deflections and displacements are obtained by solving the model with the non-moment theory and moment theory. Secondly, the load history of the TSMC structure is analyzed, and the load spectrum of this structure is got by analyzing and fitting the existing diving data. Finally, a method of nonlinear virtual interval division technique for the load spectrum is first presented. The predicted results have excellent agreement with the experimental data. The results show that the working depth of the large-deep deep manned cabins is within the range of 0 m–500 m, while the load history is composed of the submersible loading-uploading-unloading and payload-uplifting-unloading. In addition, the load spectrum shows that the number of dives is within the range from 299.7 m to 432.9 m. The proposed model can efficiently provide a guideline of the design and manufacturing of the transparent submersible manned cabin structure.