Nonlinear Analysis of Dynamic Responses of a MOSES TLP in Extreme Conditions

The configuration of MOSES TLP is quite different from conventional types. A compact central columns group and extended tendon support structure provides better deck support and hydrodynamic efficiency. A fully-coupled time domain analysis was adopted to evaluate effects of first and second order wave forces, motions and tendon tensions in hurricane conditions. The nonlinear responses due to the environmental load and interaction between the hull and tendons that includes large surge-heave motion in the low frequency and resonant heave/pitch responses with the spring loads in the high frequency are focused on in the paper. Results from numerical simulation are compared with data in full scale measurement.