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This paper summarizes VIM towing test results of Houston Offshore Engineering’s Paired-Column Semisubmersible (PC Semi) platform that was performed at the UC Berkeley towing tank. The PC semi configuration is different from a conventional Deep Draft Semi (DD Semi) in three aspects, 1) 8 columns vs. 4 columns; 2) rectangle column vs. square column; 3) larger column slenderness ratio. Typically, a larger column slenderness ratio may result in more pronounced VIM. Since VIM significantly affects mooring and riser strength and fatigue, it is crucial to explore the VIM response characteristics of the PC Semi configuration. VIM has been characterized as a difficult subject with a complicated structural-hydrodynamic interaction. The physical mechanics is generally less well understood and numerical prediction is generally less reliable. Model testing has become an important and widely accepted design tool to derive reliable A/D envelops and drag coefficients. This project builds on the VIM testing experiences obtained in Finnigan and Roddier (2007), which showed that VIM testing at small scale is only slightly conservative. A scale factor of 1:160 was used in the present tests. The Reynolds Number for the tests varied from 15,000 to 30,000 depending on the towing speeds. This manuscript provides some details on the test setup and overall program, and highlights the key results of the tests. |
