Mathematical & CFD analysis of free floating heave-only body

The numerical analysis of a free floating body can be highly computationally demanding when analysing the motion in the time domain. This allows for non-linear interactions to occur and provide the user with excellent insight into any deficiencies in the design. A state-space model is derived and presented here to allow the user insight into the most interesting simulation parameters. The model is compiled in a mathematical simulation program called Spyder, written in Python 2.7, which is complimented by a Navier-Stokes (N-S) time domain program, ANSYS Fluent. Various aspects of structural motion is covered here by using the Cummins equations and drag forces. Added mass and damping coefficients are obtained using ANSYS Fluent. The response amplitude operator is assessed through the state-space model and shows excellent correlation to the time domain model. This allows for the initial specification of wave energy converter parameters using the state-space model, which can be further tuned through the N-S time domain models. The state-space model can provide scope for initial improvement without compromising on solving times as it is much less computationally demanding compared to the N-S time domain models.