Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton

Module overview

The aims of this module are to:

• Introduce offshore scenarios quite different to conventional ship or yacht-based operation and hence introduce analytic and semi-analytic methods of hydrodynamic analysis for estimating fluid loads. The geometries may consist of gravity structures, jacket structures, moored semi-submersible or other production units as well as offshore alternative energy production systems.
• Appreciate analytic integration of Froude Krilov and Diffraction loads for simple geometries as well as the reduction of 3D fluid structure interactions to equivalent faster 2D methods. Appreciate different methods of formulating fluid-structure interactions for a variety of different distinct situations.
• Provide an appreciation of how flow descriptions are provided for simple fluid singularities in the presence of a free surface and their application in the analysis of single and multi-body situations. Give students the opportunity to appreciate how to undertake applications of such techniques using structures of interest to them. (This may include ships as well as specific offshore structures). Gain insight and understanding as to why second order effects are important in the hydrodynamic analysis and hence the subsequent motion predictions of moored offshore structures.
• Explain and Demonstrate use of algebraic and numerical analysis based processes to assess the quality of the solutions generated and hence their value in engineering applications.

Objectives (planned learning outcomes)

Knowledge and understanding
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Underpinning principles of fluid-structure interaction and the motion dynamics of realistic single body and multi-body situations.
• Principal issues related to the selection of alternative methods of analysis and the modelling of novel offshore scenarios in shipping, oil & gas production offshore and alternative offshore energy extraction.
• Scientific / Engineering analysis support to design and assessment of novel designs and devices.
• Need for clear thinking when undertaking the motion analysis of novel structures and how to use this understanding to formulate appropriate fluid-structure interaction problems.

Intellectual skills
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:

• Formulate appropriate mathematical models of various offshore scenarios irrespective of number of structures involved, their geometry and their degree of rigidity.
• Identify appropriate motion and hence hydrodynamic analysis required together with appropriate cross checking of solutions to establish degree of correctness achieved in selected solution procedure.
• Discuss rationally the pros and cons of different approaches to fluid structure interaction and motion analyses.

Practical skills
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:

• Apply with confidence quite complex 'black boxes' simply because their basis is understood and the strengths and weaknesses of the processes have been explained and experienced through the coursework.
• Make decisions regarding the selection of different analysis choices for different classes of problem.
  

General transferable (key) skills
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:

• Undertake appropriate hydrodynamic, motion and probabilistic analyses of a wide spectra of offshore related problems and confidently explain as necessary the underpinning principles (as well as pitfalls) of the different techniques.

• Revise theory of a progressing regular harmonic wave in inviscid fluid and apply it in the context of the analytic integration over simple cylindrical structures to derive Froude-Krilov wave loads and its extension to combine Froude-Krilov and Diffraction wave loads as contained in the McCamy - Fuchs analysis. Introduction of further analytic integrations to provide Morison type equation of loads on structures composed of slender cylindrical parts. Demonstrate engineering applications of cited methods and the dangers of using over simplified analysis methods.
• Formulate general multi-body radiation and diffraction analysis based on conversation of partial differential equation formulation to appropriate Fredholm integral equation formulation using concept of Green identities and appropriate analytic fluid singularities. Use of analytic methods to transform velocity potential to a more advantageous form, using analytic methods, so that kernel of integral equations is more readily computed. Use Green identity to establish Haskind relationship and equality of reactive cross term coefficients of added mass and fluid damping.
• Following development of student's application skills, using simple geometric forms, undertake realistic fluid structure interaction analysis of student's selected structure. Student to justify method of analysis adopted and quality of results produced.
• Different alternative formulations of fluid structure interaction using matching techniques et cetera. Introduce ideas of low frequency damping and why concept essential to the design of mooring systems and hence the hydrodynamic and motion analysis of moored structures.

Teaching methods include

• Lectures
• Tutorials and Courseworks. Ideal solution to all courseworks provided once students' effort marked and returned
• Student information search exercises
• Demonstrations of problem formulations and their solution
• Reading of appropriate research papers with guidance.

Learning activities include

• Summarising knowledge in the form of an essay
• Undertaking hand based calculations and computer based analysis of a structure
• Justifying method used and verifying quality of results

Core Text

Typed notes via Circulated Handouts

Background Text

Various research papers, industrial contract reports, conference proceedings and general text within different books

Feedback and student support during module study (formative assessment)

• Through asking questions in Lectures and Tutorials
• Tutorials used to test student understanding of ideas presented. Whereas the academic will propose technical problems and work through examples, the students will be expected to develop possible solution approaches and 'next' steps as a solution advances.
• Marked coursework with appropriate feedback comments will be provided within three weeks of the submission date. All courseworks with submission dates and returned script dates are circulated at start of course so students can appreciate what immediate learning is required from lectures and circulated notes to undertake set tasks.
• Group based coursework (if requested) has to be presented during Tutorial with colleagues providing critical assessment of the suitability of approach, the detail presented, clarity of presentation, correctness of procedures applied et cetera

Relationship between the teaching, learning and assessment methods and the planned learning outcomes

• Examination will test appreciation of subject and detail relating to development, fundamental principles, methods of device assessment, et cetera
• Coursework will provide opportunity to test understanding through the completion of set tasks.
• Tutorials will provide demonstration opportunities and allow reinforcement of ideas, concepts, principles and facts covered in lectures.