On-line identification and convergence analysis of excitation-force and drag-force models for moored floating structures

This work presents an approach to identify hydrodynamic models for incident, diffraction and viscous forces acting on a moored floating structure. An important aspect treated here is the analysis of the unknown initial condition of the hydrodynamic state for the potential-radiation force. There is established its influence on the parameter convergence and the long-term effects. Afterwards the persistency of excitation of the regressor is analyzed in the case of both poor and rich excitation conditions. Theoretical results show that asymptotic convergence of the estimates takes place under arbitrary conditions of the wave excitation. A case study consisting in the identification of a moored semisubmersible is carried out to exemplify the application of the approach.