Experimental and numerical study on motion responses of modular floating structures with connectors in waves

In this study, the wave-induced motion responses of modular floating structures (MFS) was investigated through a series of experiments in a two-dimensional wave tank. A 1:63 scale model test was conducted using a 1-by-2 modular floating structure consisting of two modules and connectors. Two different types of connectors were considered: a pitch-free hinge and rigid connector. The numerical analysis was performed based on the higher-order boundary element method (HOBEM) and wave Green function with potential flow theory. First, the heave and pitch RAOs of the modules from the regular wave tests were directly compared with numerical analysis results. Next, the motion spectra and their statistical values from the irregular wave tests were compared with the numerical analysis results. The study revealed that the sheltering effect of the weather side module led to a reduction in motion of the lee side module. The numerical analysis showed good agreement with the experimental data, demonstrating the validity of the numerical method. Additionally, the rigid connector, which strongly constrain all six degrees of freedom, significantly reduce pitch motion, making the modules behave as a single rigid body.