9532037 Riggs The term very large floating structure (VLFS) is often used to describe floating structures which are at lease an order of magnitude larger than existing floating structures. Implicit in the definition of VLFS is that the wave-induced motions of these structures will be significantly affected, if not dominated, by the flexible, deformational motion of the structure. This is in contrast to traditional floating structures (such as a ship), the design and analysis of which are usually based on the hydrodynamics of a rigid body. Potential applications of VLFS technology include offshore waste treatment plants, electrical power plants, water desalination plants, mariculture platforms, oceanographic research facilities, airports, and military bases. Unfortunately, the field data and experience upon which to base the design of a VLFS is limited to much smaller structures. It is the objective of this project to develop further the analysis capabilities and the fundamental understanding of the response of VLFSs to the ocean environment. Because of their size and complexity, efficient methods and simplified models are required for their design and analysis. The work proposed herein builds on the existing technology base for the analysis of large floating structures. Such work is required prior to the construction of any VLFS, and hence the results will represent a significant advancement in the state-of-the-art in offshore floating structure technology. This research program proposed to: 1) improve existing linear analysis methods; 2) establish simplified analysis models to be used for design; and 3) develop a nonlinear analysis methodology to determine the response to extreme events. ***
