Abstract
A numerical procedure is described for simultaneously predicting the motion and structural responses of tension leg platforms (TLPs) in multi-directional irregular waves. The developed numerical approach is based on a combination of a three dimensional source distribution method, the finite element method for structurally treating the space frame elements and a spectral analysis technique of directional waves. The spectral description for the linear responses of a structure in the frequency domain is sufficient to completely define the responses. This is because both the wave inputs and the responses are stationary Gaussian ran dom process of which the statistical properties in the amplitude domain are well known. The hydrodynamic interactions among TLP members, such as columns and pontoons, are included in the motion and structural analysis. The effect of wave directionality has been pointed out on the first order motion, tether forces and structural responses of a TLP in multi-directional irregular waves.
