Conduct model tests to measure the responses of a moor tanker-based FPSO in wave, wind, and current conditions typical of hurricanes and Loop currents in the Gulf of Mexico. The model test data was used to validate various analytical response models of FPSO's, including those developed in the earlier OTRC projects relating to Moored-Tanker-Based FPSO responses.
As part of a Master of Engineering student project, data were analyzed from the 2002 test programs with the FPSO in a soft moor. An Analysis of the free oscillation tests was completed. Next an analysis of regular and irregular wave tests to develop Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs) was compared with numerical modeling results. Experiments focused on FPSO responses in waves and currents. New equipment was tested in the wave and current meters. The first phase report AA is available below.
FPSO tests are being conducted in the OTRC test basin starting with the FPSO spread moored and finishing up with a series of tests with the FPSO turret moored. Data will be analyzed and a final report for the entire project will be written. The preliminary tests were conducted in February and they did exhibit a significant incremental slow drift response that can be attributed to the wave/current interaction. This is not included in most numerical models for designing mooring & riser systems for FPSO's.