Validation of CFD determined hydrodynamic coefficients for a semisubmersible floating offshore wind turbine

Abstract The hydrodynamic characteristics are crucial for accurately analysing floating offshore wind systems. In this paper, the added mass and damping coefficients of a semisubmersible floater examined around natural periods surge, heave, pitch motion, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). OpenFOAM CFD setup is validated against experimental measurements from free decay tests, same used to determine platform subjected forced motions with different amplitudes periods. quadratic obtained oscillations consistent results. Moreover, by significantly higher than estimations potential flow theory: 10% larger surge 22% heave. almost independent frequency while it varies motion amplitude. deviations in results theory due viscous effects. Besides, dependent on drag coefficient specified Morison’s equation.