OpenFOAM predictions of hydrodynamics loads on full-scale TLP

OCEAN ENGINEERING

卷:102

Article

Dai, Shaoshi¹  Younis, Bassam A.²  Sun, Liping¹ 

[1] Harbin Engn Univ, Deep Water Engn Res Ctr, Harbin 150001, Peoples R China

[2] Univ Calif Davis, Dept Civil & Environm Engn, Davis, CA 95616 USA

关键词: OpenFOAM;    Full-scale TLP;    Vortex shedding;    Hydrodynamics loads;    Turbulence closure;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.oceaneng.2015.04.042

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

OpenFOAM is an open-source finite-volume solver in the public domain. In recent years, its use for fluid-flow simulations has grown very rapidly due to its flexibility and extensive capabilities. However, to date, its application in ocean engineering has been very limited. The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate this tool for use in this field. Simulations were hence performed of the flow field around a full-scale Tension-leg Platform (TLP) in steady current at high Reynolds number. Of particular interest was assessment of OpenFOAM's ability to accurately predict the unsteady hydrodynamic loads due to vortex shedding. Turbulence was accounted for using the k - epsilon model. It was found that this model, which remains the model of choice in engineering practice, fails badly in this respect. A modification that has been shown to improve this model's performance in flows with vortex shedding was then implemented into OpenFOAM and checked against two benchmark flows namely around a single cylinder and around two cylinders in tandem. Application of the modified solver to the UP flow convincingly demonstrates the suitability of this open-source tool, when used with the appropriate turbulence closure, for use in applications of interest to the ocean engineering community. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free