EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF MOORED-BUOYS USING ADVANCED VIDEO TECHNIQUES

Physical model tests were conducted to validate numerical models of mo ored-buoy systems. Three buoy types (sphere, spar and discus) were tes ted for intrinsic properties, three-dimensional impulse response and t hree-dimensional dynamic response to two-dimensional regular and rando m wave excitation. Buoy kinematics were measured using advanced video imaging techniques. Other data collected included upper and lower moor ing line tension and mooring line inclination. Physical model developm ent, test and measurement procedures and data collected are discussed.