An In-situ Investigation of Oil Barrier Shape and Drag Coefficients.

Abstract

In-situ experimentation on a moored 100 foot section of commercially procured oil barrier was carried out. The objectives of this study were three-fold: To study oil barrier shape and tensions as influenced by current and wave action, to analyze data on the barrier shape with existing analyses and to compare results of tension and drag coefficient data with previous investigations. Actual barrier shape, measured by transit, was compared to a theoretical catenary drawn through the barrier end points. Shape, load, current, and wave data were used to calculate various drag coefficients for the boom. Two techniques were used to calculate drag coefficients for the barrier and results of each were compared. The effects of wave action on barrier loading were determined by the analysis of two previous investigators and the results compared. Values of drag coefficient were reduced to a basic drag coefficient, independent of barrier shape configuration as well as wave effects. Results of the investigation showed that the catenary curve is a good approximation to barrier shape.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1974
Accession Number
ADA017099

Entities

People

  • George A. Brown
  • Richard M. Larrabee

Organizations

  • University of Rhode Island

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Catenaries
  • Coefficients
  • Curves (Geometry)

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Groundwater Contamination Remediation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design