Hydroelastic analysis of pontoon-type VLFS: a literature survey

Presented herein is a literature survey of the research on hydroelastic analysis of pontoon-type very large floating structures (VLFS). After a brief introduction of VLFS, the reader is provided with the basic assumptions, equations and boundary conditions for a hydroelastic analysis of VLFS and the commonly used approaches for solving the problem. Based on a comprehensive search, research papers that contain significant contributions to the aforementioned topic are grouped under the following topics: wave forces, drift forces and other forces, VLFS models, VLFS shapes, mooring system, breakwaters, profiles of seabed, and anti-motion devices. More importantly, some future directions for VLFS research are articulated. In addition to providing a long list of papers, we also include a list of relevant conference proceedings, and websites containing valuable information on VLFSs.