DIFFRAC
DIFFRAC is a wave diffraction program capable of calculating the first-order wave loads and motion responses of multi-body free floating or moored structures in regular waves, including their hydrodynamic interaction. DIFFRAC is also capable of calculating the mean and low-frequency second-order wave drift loads. The program is applicable to both shallow and deep water and has been validated against many physical model test results.
FIRST-ORDER WAVE LOADS AND MOTIONS
DIFFRAC is based on a three-dimensional source distribution technique for the solution of the linearized velocity potential problem. For this approach the fluid is assumed to be inviscid, homogeneous, irrotational and incompressible. DIFFRAC computes fluid pressures and wave loads on the basis of the velocity potential around the floater(s), given as a scalar function in space and time. The effect of current can also be considered. For the computations, the mean wetted part of the hull of the vessel(s) is approximated by a number of plane elements. Each element represents a distribution of source singularities, each of which contributes to the velocity potential describing the fluid flow. The rigid lid method is used to suppress the effect of irregular frequencies. A damping lid may be used to damp resonant water motions, for example in the gap between side-by-side moored vessels.SECOND ORDER WAVE LOADS
DIFFRAC can also compute the mean second-order wave drift loads in regular multidirectional waves, and the low frequency second order wave drift loads in regular multidirectional wave groups respectively for six degrees of freedom on bodies of arbitrary shape. The second order wave drift loads are important for the design of mooring systems for floating offshore structures, dynamic positioning systems or control systems for semi-submersibles transiting at low drafts. Computations of wave drift loads can be carried out for structures with arbitrary shaped underwater hull geometries. Successful computations have been carried out for, amongst others, diving support vessels, tankers, barges, semi-submersibles, submarines, tension leg platforms, drillships, floating islands. The computations are based on direct integration of fluid pressures acting on the wetted part of the hull of a structure. The fluid pressures are obtained from Bernoulli's equation. The first order vessel motions and first order velocity potentials describing the flow around the vessel are required in order to compute the second order wave drift loads.Contact
Frederick Jaouen
Manager Offshore
APPLICATIONS
Forces and Motions in Waves
The wave loads and resulting motions on multibody systems in waves can be calculated easily. There is no limitation on the number of bodies other than memory. Systems with more than 300 bodies have been calculated. The effect of the water depth and current are taken into account.
Forces and Motions in Waves
The wave loads and resulting motions on multibody systems in waves can be calculated easily. There is no limitation on the number of bodies other than memory. Systems with more than 300 bodies have been calculated. The effect of the water depth and current are taken into account.
Hydrodynamic Coefficients
The hydrodynamic loads applied on a multi-body system oscillating in calm water can be calculated easily for a wide range of frequencies. These hydrodynamic loads are reported as the added mass contribution and the potential damping contribution. The effect of the water depth and current are taken into account.
Hydrodynamic Coefficients
The hydrodynamic loads applied on a multi-body system oscillating in calm water can be calculated easily for a wide range of frequencies. These hydrodynamic loads are reported as the added mass contribution and the potential damping contribution. The effect of the water depth and current are taken into account.
Sloshing
The natural frequencies of a containment system can be calculated. A damping lid can be used to damp the amplitudes of these natural modes in order to account for the viscous damping in the system.
Sloshing
The natural frequencies of a containment system can be calculated. A damping lid can be used to damp the amplitudes of these natural modes in order to account for the viscous damping in the system.
Forced Oscillating LNGC in Calm Water
DIFFRAC calculates the hydrodynamic loads applied on offshore structures oscillating in calm water. These radiation calculations lead to hydrodynamic coefficients , also referred to as added mass and potential damping coefficients.
LNGC in Bow-Quartering Waves
DIFFRAC calculates the motions of offshore structures in regular waves. As an illustration, this movies shows the motions of a LNG Carrier in a bow-quartering wave with period of 7sec.
LNGC in Beam-On Waves at Roll Resonance Period
DIFFRAC calculates the motions of offshore structures in regular waves. As an illustration, this movies shows the motions of a LNG Carrier in a beam-on wave with bow-quartering wave with period of 18sec. The motions of the vessel are large because the wave period corresponds to the natural period of the vessel, and the roll damping of potential nature is included only in this specific example. By including some viscous damping, the motions will significantly decrease.
DIFFRAC USER GROUP
Partners willing to collaborate with us and use DIFFRAC can become part of the DIFFRAC User Group. This comes with an unlimited number of parallel users, cpu cores and parallel computations. Members of the User Group express the intention to be long-term users. During User Group Meetings, experience is exchanged and future developments are discussed.
Downloads
Leaflet DIFFRAC (PDF)