Hydrodynamics

We build panel mesh models of vessel and floating structure hulls for use in frequency-domain diffraction solvers. Our meshes are developed in OrcaWave and ANSYS AQWA with appropriate panel density and distribution to accurately resolve the velocity potential across the wetted surface.

We solve the linear diffraction boundary value problem for large-volume structures where Morison-based approaches are insufficient. By decomposing the velocity potential into incident, scattered, and radiated components, we determine added mass, radiation damping, and wave excitation forces across the full range of wave frequencies. Our solutions account for irregular frequency effects and provide the hydrodynamic coefficients required for time-domain simulation.

We develop Load and Displacement Response Amplitude Operators from our diffraction solutions. For second-order loading, we compute Quadratic Transfer Functions using pressure integration and control surface methods to capture mean drift forces and low-frequency wave loading. Our hydrodynamic databases are prepared in formats compatible with OrcaFlex for direct use in time-domain analysis.

We model hydrodynamic interactions between multiple floating bodies operating in close proximity, including side-by-side and tandem configurations. Our multi-body diffraction analysis captures the full coupling between bodies, accounting for shielding effects and gap resonance phenomena that arise when structures operate at close range.