Numerical study of the dynamic response of Inflatable Offshore Fender Barrier Structures using the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian discretization technique

Inflatable Offshore Fender Barrier Structures (IOFBS) are anti-terrorist security structures that function primarily to either stop terror bound vessels from reaching valuable offshore structures, incapacitate its crew or delay the vessel׳s progress until secondary security measures can be put in place. In this study, an advanced and efficient modelling method for impact simulation of the structure and similar multi-physics systems is presented. Numerical implementation of this modelling technique, using Abaqus finite element code is described and used in the impact simulation of the inflatable structure based on its current design as well as an alternative design of the structure. Results from the two designs provisions were compared and from these results, recommendation for improvement of the current design is also reported. This is desirable in ensuring high reliability in application of the structure in meeting its design objectives.