Course content

Understanding the response of marine structures and ships to varying hydrodynamic loads is crucial for their safe and efficient design in the offshore and marine industries. This course explores hydrodynamic phenomena, including wave interactions, load predictions, and stability under extreme conditions, focusing on both fixed and floating marine platforms, as well as advancing vessels.

Key areas of study include linear, weakly-nonlinear (e.g., wave drift loads, added resistance), and nonlinear wave-induced loads and response analysis. Practical applications extend from standard to novel marine platforms and advancing vessels. The scenarios of interest primarily involve cases where potential-flow effects are dominant.

The course begins with an introduction to real-flow formulations and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), followed by an examination of potential-flow methods. Students will engage in in-depth derivations of Boundary Element Methods (BEM) and Panel Methods, along with a concise discussion of Harmonic Polynomial Cell (HPC) methods. Topics include external wave interactions with marine structures and vessels under linear, weakly-nonlinear, and fully nonlinear conditions, as well as linear and nonlinear sloshing flows in partially filled tanks.

The course addresses resonance phenomena in both rigid and flexible structures (e.g., springing, ringing, whipping, hydroelastic behavior) and in liquids (e.g., sloshing). The examined scenarios involve responses induced by continuous wave action and transient phenomena, such as slamming and water on deck, under extreme conditions.

Learning outcome

By the end of this course, students will be equipped to:

• Master Hydrodynamic Principles: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the mathematical and physical frameworks for evaluating wave-induced motions and loads on marine structures, utilizing both linear and nonlinear potential flow theories.
• Develop Proficiency in Numerical Methods: Skillfully apply advanced numerical methods, especially Boundary Element Methods (BEM) and Panel Methods, and create computational tools to accurately predict hydrodynamic loads and motions under complex marine conditions.
• Analyze Wave Interactions and Resonance: Critically assess wave interactions and resonance effects in marine structures and liquid environments across various hydrodynamic scenarios, interpreting complex fluid-structure interactions.
• Apply Theoretical Knowledge to Practical Challenges: Translate theoretical insights into practical solutions, addressing phenomena such as slamming, water on deck, and sloshing, and evaluating their impact on marine stability and safety.
• Integrate Hydrodynamic Considerations into Structural Design: Incorporate predictions of hydrodynamic loads and stability analyses into the design of robust, efficient offshore and marine structures, ensuring safety and resilience in demanding marine environments.

Learning methods and activities

The course is based on theoretical lectures. They will be adapted to class size and student needs, creating an interactive format that supports the learning process.

Students will complete exercises throughout the course, which are formally individual assignments necessary for exam eligibility. However, collaborative discussions with peers are encouraged, as they can significantly enhance understanding and foster a deeper approach to problem-solving. Exercises must be delivered after the course is completed.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

The course requires a knowledge equivalent to the course TMR4215 Sea Loads.

Course materials

O.M. Faltinsen: Lecture notes about sink-source methods and wave-induced loads.

O.M. Faltinsen: Sea Loads on Ships and Offshore Structures, Cambridge University Press, 1990.

O.M. Faltinsen: Hydrodynamics of High-Speed Marine Vehicles, Cambridge University Press, 2005.

O.M. Faltinsen and A. N. Timokha: Sloshing, Cambridge University Press,2009.

Additional material is provided through the online platform of the course.

Credit reductions