Hydrodynamic behavior of a straight floating pipe under wave conditions

This paper examines the hydrodynamic behavior of a floating straight pipe under wave conditions. The main problem in calculating the forces acting on a small-sized floating structure is obtaining the correct force coefficients Cn and Ct, which differ from a submerged structure. For a floating straight pipe of small size, we simplify it into a 2D problem, where the pipe is set symmetrically under wave conditions. The force equations were deduced under wave conditions and a specific method proposed to resolve the wave forces acting on a straight floating pipe. Results of the numerical method were compared to those from model tests and the effects of Cn and Ct on numerical results studied. Suggestions for the selection of correct Cn and Ct values in calculating wave forces on a straight floating pipe are given. The results are valuable for research into the hydrodynamic behavior of the gravity cage system.