The effects of wave spreading on the exciting forces on a tension leg platform.

Abstract

Oil exploration in water deeper than 1000 feet has motivated the development of drilling platforms with dynamic responses superior to those of the conventional jacket structures. One of the most promising of these is the tension leg platform (TLP) , a semi-submersible platform held in place by tension members connected to the ocean bottom. This thesis evaluates the wave force transfer function for the TLP in heave, pitch, and roll motions. This is accomplished by assuming the transfer function for a single leg and then extending that result to include the effect of phase differences between forces on multiple legs, including the effect of wave spreading.