Reduction of Wave Impact on VLFS in the Presence of Porous Vertical Barriers

Abstract

This study investigates the hydroelastic interaction between irregular waves and a Very Large Floating Structure (VLFS) integrated with multiple porous barriers. It focuses on how different barrier configurations can influence wave attenuation and the structural response of the VLFS. Using Bretschneider spectra to simulate irregular wave environments in deep water, the analysis systematically examines how variations in barrier porosity, spacing, arrangement, and wave incidence angles affect hydrodynamic performance and structural displacement. A numerical framework is developed that combines the Multi-domain Boundary Element Method (MDBEM) for wave-structure interaction with the Finite Difference Method (FDM) for structural deformation. The results demonstrate that the flexural rigidity of the VLFS and the strategic placement of porous barriers significantly influence wave energy dissipation, resonance patterns, and transmitted forces. Higher barrier porosity and optimized spacing enhance wave scattering, reduce peak displacements, and mitigate hydrodynamic loads on the VLFS. The study emphasizes that analyzing irregular waves, which incorporates spectral wave components, provides more realistic and conservative design insights than assuming regular waves. This is particularly important for systems affected by dynamic wave-structure interactions. Furthermore, the findings underscore the need to integrate parameters related to barrier design-such as the thickness of the VLFS, spacing, and arrangement-into the preliminary engineering of VLFS structures. This integration is crucial for balancing structural efficiency with hydrodynamic resilience. Overall, this work provides practical guidelines for optimizing multi-barrier-VLFS systems in real-world marine environments, where irregular wave loads require adaptive barrier configurations to ensure structural stability and performance. © 2025 IEEE.