Dynamic pressures on inclined cylinders due to freak waves

The dynamic pressure distribution around a cylinder tilted along and agains t the principal wave direction is measured. The cylinder was exposed to the action of random waves in the presence and absence of extreme waves. Six i nclinations from the vertical plane, three along and three against the wave direction, were considered. The cylinder in upright position was also stud ied. The variation of dimensionless peak pressure (pressure maximum/average highest one-third wave height, H-1/3) with the relative wave height (maxim um wave height/H-1/3) for locations facing the wave and at the rear of the cylinder for different angles of inclinations of the cylinder are reported for the two kinds of waves mentioned earlier. The statistical properties of the different asymmetries in the pressure traces are also discussed. (C) 1 998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.