Statistical energy analysis of offshore structures

Abstract This paper briefly introduces the concepts of statistical energy analysis (SEA) and then discusses the potential for using the approach in the design of offshore marine structures. Some inherent limitations in the method as currently applied, mainly in the field of aerospace structures, are indicated and suggestions made as to areas where further research could be expected to overcome some of them. Of these, the problem of dealing with fluid actions in an SEA framework is perhaps most deserving of effort by the marine engineering community. A highly idealized example is used to illustrate some of these points.