Numerical Study of the High-Frequency Wave Loads and Ringing Response of A Bottom-Hinged Vertical Cylinder in Focused Waves

This paper presents a numerical study on the high-frequency wave loads and ringing response of offshore wind turbine foundations exposed to moderately steep transient water waves. Input wave groups are generated by the technique of frequency-focusing, and the numerical simulation of focused waves is based on the NewWave model and a Fourier time-stepping procedure. The proposed model is validated by comparison with the published laboratory data. In respect of both the wave elevations and the underlying water particle kinematics, the numerical results are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. Furthermore, the local evolution of power spectra and the transfer of energy into higher frequencies can be clearly identified. Then the generalized FNV theory and Rainey’s model are applied respectively to calculate the nonlinear wave loads on a bottom-hinged vertical cylinder in focused waves. Resonant ringing response excited by the nonlinear high-frequency wave loads is found in the numerical simulation when frequency ratios (natural frequency of the structure to peak frequency of wave spectra) are equal to 3–5. Dynamic amplification factor of ringing response is also investigated for different dynamic properties (natural frequency and damping ratio) of the structure.