Motion and Loads of An Articulated Loading Platform In Waves

This paper presents a preliminary study of an analysis of motions and loads of an articulated loading platform (ALP) in regular waves, without a tanker moored to it. For the evaluation of the wave-exciting forces and moment, Newman´s linear theory of a slender vertical body of revolution has been employed. The pitching motions of the ALP and the axial and lateral shear loads at the universal joint have been calculated within the framework of linearization. An attempt has been made to compare the analytical results with available experimental data which have been obtained from a model test in a different environmental condition, i.e., a combination of noncollinear wind, current, and random seas; thus, the experimental response amplitude operators (RAOs) will no longer satisfy the linearity law.