Hydrodynamics of offshore structures under waves and current: fundamental theory, formulation of the problem and a case study

This lecture is devoted firstly to a statement of the physical properties of gravity waves that is followed by a review on Linear Theory of waves of small amplitude, together with the related basic equations. This material includes the calculation of water pressure and water-particle kinematics, and the establishment of mass, momentum and energy balances. On a second stage it will be given a comprehensive material concerning the methodologies applied to calculate the wave forces. In the present case we will be involved with the Morison model and the corresponding hydrodynamic coefficients, when predicting the wave forces exerted upon tubular structures. Finally, a case study will be presented, relating both theoretical and experimental results obtained with a physical model of an offshore jacket platform.