Experimental study on the hydrodynamic performance of a flexible connected double-module floating structure

A flexibly connected double-module floating structure can be used as the primary component unit of a large multi-module floating structure, revealing some basic principles regarding the interaction of multiple modules and connectors to the same extent. This study investigated the hydrodynamic characteristics of a double-module floating structure with cable-fender connectors and connector loads through an experimental model test. Owing to the flexible connector's weak coupling strength, the two modules' motion responses in the double-module floating structure are similar to those of the single-module floating structure. The magnitude of the connector load is related to the relative pitch motion of the two modules. The increased stiffness of the connector can limit the pitch motion of the modules but can also lead to higher forces on the connector. The load acting on the fender in the cable-fender connector is strongly nonlinear, and the shear force on the fender due to the deflection load is large; this may be the controlling load causing fender damage.