Responses of interconnected floating bodies

Abstract

This article describes an investigation of the wave induced responses of constrained multiple bodies. The hydrodynamic analysis is based on linear diffraction theory, and the constraints in the connections between the bodies are imposed by the Lagrange multiplier technique. Results are given for two cases of two rectangular boxes connected by a hinge and by a rigid rod, which are compared with published data. An example of a tanker alongside a floating liquid natural gas (FLNG) barge is then considered, and the effect of the constraints on the responses is assessed. © 2011 The Institution of Engineers, Singapore.