An experimental study of inertia and drag coefficients for a truncated circular cylinder in regular waves

It is of academic and practical importance to predict accurate wave loads on cylindrical members of finite length. In this study, the in-line force on a small segment of a vertical circular cylinder of various truncated lengths was experimentally investigated in regular waves. Based on Morison equation, the inertia and drag coefficients (CD and CM) were evaluated and presented as a function of KC number for various values of relative truncated length in order to understand 3-D end wake effects on the truncated cylinder. The factors that may affect the determination of CD and CM were also discussed. A weighted least square method was employed to improve the predictive accuracy of maximum measured forces.