Bow impact loading on FPSOs 2—Theoretical investigation

Steep wave impact pressures and the structural dynamic response of FPSO bows are studied using 1:80 scale instrumented models and time domain simulation. Comparisons are made between experimental and calculated impacts and associated pressures. A simple time history simulation method for bow loading in (non-linear) random seas is developed. Simplified design rules for curved bows are proposed. The rules account for the effect of the size of the loaded area on the average pressure, the rise and decay times of the pressure and the dynamic amplification of the response.