Numerical prediction with experimental validation of semisubmersible's viscous damped heave motions

The semi-submersible hull geometry specifics, featuring simplified forms with rectangular edges and compound spatial structures are prerequisite for appearance of significant viscous damping effects. In the paper, numerical model of viscous damped motions of a generic semisubmersible has been formulated, the model of turbulence selected and a high-quality hexa-mesh computing grid developed, meeting the pre-selected criteria and standards. A set of pre- and post-processing codes have been developed for convenience of work. Numerical simulations of the free decay heave motions of the structure have been run in the ANSYS FLUENT core and results systematically validated by experimental benchmark data. Fair compliance of numerical and experimental results has been observed.