Modelling and Characterization of Artificial Marine Growth

The Riser and Mooring project of the Norwegian Deepwater Programme (NDP) has undertaken a parametric study of marine growth on circular cylinders fitted with helical strakes. The study was performed at MARINTEK. The aim is to provide guidance on the effect that marine growth has on the dynamic response of the riser. The tests were conducted in a controlled laboratory condition where organic material is not allowed. Hence artificial marine growth had to be modelled and manufactured. Both hard and soft marine growth have been modelled. Further it is vital to document the properties of the marine growth. The present paper will discuss issues in modelling artificial hard and soft marine growth, as well as characterizing the growth for reference after testing. Results from the NDP test campaign will be presented in the paper.