Time Domain Modelling of Nonlinear Hydroelastic Problems for Sea Ice and Very Large Floating Structures by Finite Element Methods

Abstract

This research project develops an adaptable framework for simulating hydroelastic interaction using acceleration potential techniques. Finite Element Methods are used to solve for the motion of the fluid and of an elastic beam, which are coupled through Bernoulli’s nonlinear pressure equation and a nonlinear acceleration potential. Sensitivity tests are presented to quantify the effects of changes to the numerical parameters of the method, and to demonstrate that such effects are acceptably small for the type of configurations that we consider.

An extended discussion and comparison of a variety of nonlinear beam models is included, both to show the adaptability of this approach and to quantitatively establish the impact on the hydroelastic problem of various assumptions in the standard, linear beam theory. Additional research pathways under investigation are presented, alongside some initial findings, to further demonstrate the potential scope of this approach.