Hydrodynamic behavior of a straight floating pipe under wave conditions

Abstract This paper examines the hydrodynamic behavior of a floating straight pipe under wave conditions. The main problem in calculating the forces acting on a small-sized floating structure is obtaining the correct force coefficients C n and C t , which differ from a submerged structure. For a floating straight pipe of small size, we simplify it into a 2D problem, where the pipe is set symmetrically under wave conditions. The force equations were deduced under wave conditions and a specific method proposed to resolve the wave forces acting on a straight floating pipe. Results of the numerical method were compared to those from model tests and the effects of C n and C t on numerical results studied. Suggestions for the selection of correct C n and C t values in calculating wave forces on a straight floating pipe are given. The results are valuable for research into the hydrodynamic behavior of the gravity cage system.