Abstract
This study delves into the intricate realm of forced oscillation Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, placing a particular emphasis on evaluating the added mass and damping characteristics of the SWACH floating wind platform. Specifically designed by Sevan SSP and featuring damping skirts and a large moonpool, the SWACH platform represents a cutting-edge innovation in the field of floating wind energy.
These simulations spanned across distinct scenarios, representing various environmental conditions. The focal point of this extensive simulation effort is to meticulously investigate the influence of oscillation period and amplitude on critical parameters such as added mass and damping. These parameters play a pivotal role in understanding the dynamic behavior of the platform in response to wave forces, providing essential insights for the platform’s performance evaluation. Moreover, the study conducts a detailed component-level analysis, scrutinizing the inner skirts, outer skirts, and hull of the SWACH floater individually. This component-level investigation offers valuable insights into the functionality and interaction of each component, contributing to an understanding of the platform’s overall behavior. This comprehensive investigation is crucial for ensuring the platform’s optimal performance in offshore wind energy applications, offering significant potential for informed design and optimization of floating structures. By unraveling complex hydrodynamic phenomena through CFD simulations, this study provides a robust foundation for informed design decisions and the ongoing optimization of floating structures in the pursuit of sustainable offshore energy solutions.