Effects of Free Heave Motion on Wave Forces on Two Side-by-Side Boxes in Close Proximity Under Wave Actions

• DOI: 10.1007/s13344-021-0045-9
• Publication Date: 2021-09-10T15:02:54Z
• Authors: Zhi-wei He; Jun-liang Gao; Jun Zang; Hong-zhou Chen; Qian Liu; Gang Wang
• Keywords: 0103 physical sciences; 01 natural sciences

Wave forces on two side-by-side boxes in close proximity under wave actions were analyzed using the OpenFOAM package. The upstream box heaved freely under wave actions, whereas the downstream box remained fixed. For comparison, a configuration in which both boxes were fixed was also considered. The effects of the heave motion of the upstream box on the wave loads, including the horizontal wave forces, vertical wave forces, and moments on the boxes, were the focus of this study. Numerical analyses showed that all frequencies at which the maximum horizontal wave forces, maximum vertical wave forces, and maximum moment appeared are dependent on the heave motion of the upstream box and that the effects of the heave motion on these frequencies are different. Furthermore, these frequencies were observed to deviate from the corresponding fluid resonant frequency. Moreover, the heave motion of the upstream box reduced the wave forces acting on both boxes and altered the variation trends of the wave forces with the incident wave frequency.