Dynamic Response Control of Top-Tension Risers by a Variable Damping and Stiffness System With Magneto-Rheological Damper Available to Purchase

The exploration and extraction of offshore hydrocarbon is currently facing stricter requirements in environmental conditions, structural integrity, and dynamic performance. Vibration control may be a critical part of mitigating the excessive dynamic responses of the offshore floating structures. If the structural responses can be monitored and controlled, then smart-platform technology can greatly widen the applicability of current technology toward deeper waters and more severe environmental conditions. This paper is focusing on the numerical simulations and analyses of top-tension risers in a tension-leg platform (TLP), incorporated with a bang-bang controlled magneto-rheological (MR) damper and variable stiffness (VS) system. The specific characteristics of the innovative system in alternating the damping forces and system stiffness show great potential to interactively change the structural behaviors corresponding to various external loadings. This research is expected to provide a robust and cost-effective solution for greatly expanding the capability of future smart offshore-platform technology.