Experimental Investigation of Hydrodynamic Force Coefficients on Rigid Vertical Cylinders

The present study is alleged to create
appreciation about the importance of experimental
estimation of the hydrodynamic force coefficients for
making use in the structural design aspects of offshore
structures. Model tests were conducted in the wave
tank, on cylinders of four different diameters with wave
characteristics pertaining to the major offshore sites of
Malaysia. This particular paper, however, is limited to a
discussion on rigid, vertical cylinders in regular waves.
The theoretical wave forces were estimated using
Morison Equation. From the results presented, it is
found that both the drag and inertia coefficients are
showing an increasing trend with an increase in the
cylinder diameters of the members considered, like the
variation of the total wave forces. Variation of the
force coefficients in relation with the wave heights and
time periods pertaining to the locations studied, is
random in nature. The experimentally determined
values of hydrodynamic force coefficients are
considered to give modifications in the design and thus
on the dimensional parameters of the platforms, which
is deemed to enhance the economic efficiency of the
offshore projects.