Model Test on Motion Responses and Anchor Reaction Forces of an Articulated Tower-Type Buoy Structure in Waves

A series of model tests was performed to evaluate the survivability of an articulated tower-type buoy structure under harsh environmental conditions. The buoy structure consisted of three long pipes, a buoyancy module, and top equipment. The scale model was made of acrylic pipe and plastic with a scale ratio of 1/22. The experiments were carried out at the ocean engineering basin of KRISO. The performance of the buoy structure was investigated under waves only and under combined environmental conditions from sea state (SS) 5 to 7. A nonlinear time-domain numerical simulation was conducted using the mooring analysis program OrcaFlex. The survivability of the buoy was analyzed based on three factors: the pitch motion, submergence of the top structure, and anchor reaction force. The model test results were directly compared to the results of numerical simulations. The effects of the sea state and combined environment on the performance of the buoy structure were investigated.