Experimental Measurements of the Complex Motion of a Suspended Axisymmetric Floating Body in Regular and Near-Focused Waves

Abstract Numerical models which account for the multiple response modes of floating wave energy converters (WECs) in operating conditions require experimental data for validation. Measurement and observation of complex hydrodynamic mechanisms are also required to inform the development of modelling tools suitable for the simulation of response to extreme waves. Experimental measurements are reported of the motion of an axisymmetric float to regular and near-focused waves. The mechanical system, incident wave conditions and response in a 2D vertical plane are detailed to facilitate comparison to numerical simulations. The system comprises a heaving float connected to a counterweight by an inextensible cable over two pulleys to provide a simplified representation of the slowly varying surge constraint of a mooring system. Translation of the float is measured using an optical encoder. Motion in heave, surge and pitch are also determined by a position identification method based on analysis of video footage. For low frequency regular waves, the float prescribes an elliptical trajectory and the variation of response amplitude with wave amplitude is linear. At higher frequencies, drift of up to one-third of the float radius is observed and the float oscillates along an arc. More complex motions are observed due to the three large amplitude waves of a near-focused wave group. During these waves the upper surfaces of the float are partly immersed and motion occurs in heave, surge and pitch.