Time-Domain Investigation of a Semisubmersible in Rogue Waves

Heave, pitch and roll motions as well as airgap are key characteristics of semisubmersibles in extreme seas which are defined by Ultimate Limit State design conditions (ULS) with a specified 100-year design wave height Hs and peak period Tp. The increasing number of reported rogue waves with unexpected large wave heights (Hmax/Hs > 2), crest heights (ζmax//Hmax > 0.6), wave steepness and group patterns (e.g. Three Sisters) may suggest a reconsideration of design codes by implementing an Accidental Limit State (ALS) with a return period of 104 years. For investigating the consequences of specific extreme sea conditions this paper analyses the seakeeping behaviour of a semisubmersible in a reported rogue wave, the Draupner New Year Wave embedded in irregular sea states. The numerical time-domain invegstigation using a panel method and potential theory is compared to frequency-domain results. In particular, the characteristics of the embedded rogue wave is varied to analyse the dynamic response of the semisubmersible in extreme wave sequences For validation, the selected sea condition is generated in a physical wave tank, and the sea-keeping behaviour of the semisubmersible is evaluated at model scale. In conclusion, the results deomstrate the consequences of rogue wave impacts, with respect to the relevance of present design methods and safety standards.