An investigation on the performance of a pusher-barge system in regular waves

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the performance of a pusher-barge system in regular waves. The numerical simulation is carried out through the implementation of an in-house code for the evaluation of the first-order (linear) hydrodynamic properties. For the potential flow problem around the pusher-barge system, a higher-order boundary element method (HOBEM) with wave green function in frequency domain is implemented. For the pusher-barge system, six degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) motion are evaluated and discussed for three different heading angles in deep water conditions. In this study, a pusher tug is arranged and located at the stern notch of the barge in a linear combination connected with a well-proven coupling system. The coupling system configuration for the pusher-barge system using a connection pin is considered, allowing the system to work as a single unit. The chosen connection pin system allows an independent pitch motion while roll and yaw angular motions remain coupled. Furthermore, loads on the connecting pins are calculated for different wave periods. Finally, Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs) are compared and discussed. Copyright ？ 2018 by the International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers