DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF FLOATING BREAKWATER MOORING SYSTEMS

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical model for computation of floating breakwater mooring forces. The model is based on time domain mooring analysis techniques which permit simulation of: (1) nonlinear mooring line load characteristics and (2) mooring line loads associated with second order wave drift forces. Numerical model results are compared to physical model tests (Torum, 1989) and prototype measurements (Nelson and Broderick, 1986) . These comparisons demonstrate that the numerical model provides good estimates of floating breakwater mooring line forces. Accordingly, it is concluded that the numerical model serves as a useful engineering tool for analysis and design of floating breakwater mooring systems.