Wave loads and motions of long structures in directional seas

The effects of wave directionality on the loads and motions of long structures is investigated in this thesis. A numerical method based on Green's theorem is developed to compute the exciting forces and hydrodynamic coefficients due to the interaction of a regular oblique wave train with an infinitely long, semi-immersed floating cylinder of arbitrary shape. Comparisons are made with previous results obtained using other solution techniques. The results obtained from the solution of the oblique wave diffraction problem are used to determine the transfer functions and response amplitude operators for a structure of finite length and hence the loads and amplitudes of motion of the structure in short-crested seas. The wave loads and body motions in short-crested seas are compared to corresponding results for long-crested seas. This is expressed as a directionally averaged, frequency dependent reduction factor for the wave loads and a response ratio for the body motions. Numerical results are presented for the force reduction factor and response ratio of a long floating box subject to a directional wave spectrum with a cosine power type energy spreading function. Applications of the results of the present procedure include such long structures as floating bridges and breakwaters.Applied Science, Faculty ofCivil Engineering, Department ofGraduat