Time-domain analysis of frequency dependent inertial wave forces on cylinders

Mono-pile structures are attractive for small well-head platforms and foundation of offshore wind turbines at moderate water depth. Their diameter of several meters makes them prone to simultaneous occurrence of frequency-dependent inertial forces and non-linear drag. The present paper presents a simple time-domain procedure for the inertial force, in which the frequency dependence is represented via a simple explicit time filter on the wave particle acceleration or velocity. The frequency dependence of the inertia coefficient is known analytically as a function of the wave-number, and the relevant range of waves shorter than about six times the diameter typically corresponds to deep water waves. This permits a universal non-dimensional frequency representation, that is converted to rational form to provide the relevant filter equation. Simple time-domain simulations demonstrate the reduction of the resonant part of the response for natural structural frequencies above the dominating wave frequency.

► Simple time-domain procedure for inertial wave force with frequency dependence as explicit time filter. ► Inertia coefficient, known as function of wave-number, transformed to frequency dependence form. ► Frequency dependence expressed as rational function, corresponding to double second-order time-filter. ► Time-domain simulations demonstrate reduction of inertial force response for resonance frequency above main wave spectrum frequency.