Real-Time Hybrid Testing for Marine Structures: Challenges and Strategies

Abstract

Within the field of hydrodynamics, it is fairly easy to find examples of model tests whose performance is impaired by only a subpart of the whole system, which may not be the one of interest. Real-time hybrid testing (RTHT) overcomes this issue by performing scale model testing only on a subpart of the whole structure, the remainder being simulated numerically. The loads acting on the virtual substructure are calculated from online-measured motions of the physical substructure and actuated back on the latter in real-time. RTHT involves data measurement, filtering, force estimation, motion observing and force actuation. The main challenge is to fit all of those items into one time step. A simple case study is suggested. It consists in a linearized one degree of freedom floating wind turbine, whose floating substructure is physically tested while wind loads are numerically simulated and actuated. Design rules to build the corresponding RTHT set up are then presented.