3D-numerical analysis of wave-floating structure interaction with OpenFOAM

Modelling of floating structures is a challenging task for offshore and coastal engineering purposes. Their design requires detailed knowledge in forces, flow velocities, rotations, displacements and loads. Highresolution numerical modelling allows for the study of their behavior under sea forcings, giving necessary information on the turbulent multiphase processes and induced loads. OpenFOAM is one of the code that offers a possibility to include Computational Fluid Dynamics approach into the design processing. In the present study, a floating vertical cylinder was chosen to evaluate the code capability to simulate moving bodies under waves. Tests reproducing the free decay were performed. Then, the wave generation tool, IHFOAM, was included to analyze the dynamics of a cylinder, moored to the bottom, under regular waves. This innovative application with OpenFOAM® represents the first step to develop a numerical wave tank where to study wave-structure interaction.