Wavy approach for fluid–structure interaction with high Froude number and undamped structure

Abstract

This paper addresses the fluid–structure interaction problem, with an interest on the interaction of a gravity wave with a flexible floating structure, anchored to a seabed of constant depth. To achieve this goal, we make use of the model equations, namely, the Navier–Stokes equations and the Navier–Lamé equation, as well as the associated the boundary conditions. Applying the multi-scale expansion method, these set of equations are reduced to a pair of nonlinearly coupled complex cubic Ginzburg–Landau equations (CCGLE). By applying the proposed modified expansion method, the group velocity dispersion and second-order dispersion relation are deduced. In the same vein, modulation instability (MI) is investigated as a mechanism of formation of pulse trains in fluid–structure system using a CCGLE. For the analytical analysis, we made use of the inverse scattering method to find analytical solutions to the coupled nonlinear equations. Through that method, the obtained solutions depict rogue-shaped waves. Our results suggest that uncontrolled MI within the interaction between a flexible body and gravity waves in viscous flow may be considered as the principal source of many structural ruptures, which are the first cause of critical damage due to the great energy and unpredictability of rogue waves. The present work aims to provide tools to model a wide range of physical problems regarding the interaction of surface gravity waves and an offshore-anchored structure, and it aims to be essential to our understanding of the nonlinear characteristics of offshore structures in real-sea states.