Modeling the floating-body motion in nonlinear random waves based on vertically integrated wave equations

An efficient numerical model, based on vertically integrated nonlinear-wave equations, is proposed for the analysis of wave-induced floating-body moti on in nonlinear random waves. Wave equations adopted here are derived by us ing a multi-term coupling technique, which favorably represents the vertica l structure of the fluid motion with plural vertical-dependence functions. A nonlinear wave-body interaction model, given also in vertically integrate d form, is incorporated into the wave equations. The result of fundamental examinations, conducted via comparisons between the present FEM-based numer ical model and other analytical and numerical models, demonstrates sufficie nt reliability and desirable performance of the model proposed. (C) 2000 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.