Numerical Analysis for Predicting the Performance of Wave Observation Buoy: Dynamic Analysis under Regular Wave

Abstract

The prediction of the performance of a wave observation buoy is very important to acquire both in-situ security and good observation quality. In the present study, a numerical method was set up to analyze the dynamic interaction of a spherical buoy with its single point mooring line subject to regular wave conditions. The method was applied to the condition of an existing hydraulic experiment, producing results that are well compatible with experimental results within the limited accuracy of the available data. It was argued that some discrepancies between the numerical and experimental results might be due to the uncertainties of the wave exciting forces acting on the buoy and the experimental conditions of mooring line. The method was finally applied to demonstrate two practical issues related to in-situ wave height measurements; the effect of buoy size on resulting heave motion and the aspect of the numerical integration of heave acceleration to get wave profile.