A Numerical Simulator for Large-Scale Wave Basin Wave and Hydro-Elastic Model Test Design and Parametric Studies
Abstract
A Numerical Simulator for Large-Scale Wave Basin Wave and Hydro-Elastic Model Test Design and Parametric Studies Abstract One of the objectives of on-going US Department of Energy (DOE) renewable energy research projects is to experimentally evaluate the feasibility and performance of novel wave energy conversion systems (WECS) and validate their corresponding energy conversion efficiencies, using large-scale experimental wave basin model test facilities such as those at Oregon State University (OSU) and the US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD). To objectively evaluate the performance of these WECS, it is important to first specify the environmental conditions in the ocean for which these WECS should be optimally tuned. Because the model tests will be carried out using physical model wave basins, it is also important to have a good understanding of the fundamental characteristics of these large-scale physical-experiment wave tanks (LAPEWTs) as model-basin wave conditions may not accurately duplicate those specified for the open ocean. Thus the WECS should be optimally tuned to the LAPEWT simulated waves instead. Most WECS rely on large mechanical motions and are either moored or anchored to the sea bottom. The large physical size, great water depth, largemotion amplitude, large length and flexibility of the mooring cables, highly nonlinear hydro-elastic (and plastic) behaviors of the WECS, including fluid-structure interaction, composite blades, deformable chambers, etc., are intrinsic features of WEC systems. To support NSWCCDÕs endeavor in the DOE WECS research, ONR is implementing an initiative to support 6.1 and 6.2 research activities to further improve large-scale wave-basin wave generation and experimental model test capabilities in general and to more accurately characterize the performance of the maneuver and seakeeping (MASK) basin in particular. This proposed research project aims to further develop the multiphysics, hybrid numerical-experimentwave tank (HYNEWT) software consisting of: (i) a fully-nonlinear Eulerbased wave generation, propagation and absorption simulator (WAGPAS) with input wavemaker paddle motions, (ii) a Navier-Stokes-based hydro-elastic model-test simulator (HEMOTS), and (iii) selective coupling of the WAGPAS-HEMOTS models to form the HYNEWT, to complement the capabilities of the LAPEWTs. The intent is to utilize the HYNEWT software for wave-basin model-test design and parametric studies, thus reducing the overall project cost due to reductions in total experimental scope of work and enhancing the productivity of the large-scale experiment wave basins. The OSU multi-directional wave basin, selected for its simplicity (here referred to as the representative LAPEWT for technical discussion convenience), will be used as a baseline case in the research and development, and verification and validation of the WAGPAS and the HEMOTS, and the resulting coupled HYNEWT. While the focus of this project is on 6.1 basic research, the project will be conducted with extension and transition of the resulting scientific and technological gains in mind to improve experimental wave generation, propagation and naval hydroelasticity model test capabilities of very large-scale wave basins (such as the NSWCCD MASK basin) that are best suited for WECS testing because of its sheer size and proportionally great water depth. Significant research and development effortswill be needed to transition the results from this proposed 6.1 research to the MASK basin due to major differences between the OSU LAPEWT and MASK, including wave basin dimensions; wavemaker types, shapes; wave generation capabilities and limitations; and targets wave environments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 22, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512686
Entities
People
- Solomon Yim
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Oregon State University
- United States Navy