Development of an optimal oil boom in waves

Abstract

The performance of an air-inflated oil boom, recently developed by the authors, is investigated for the purpose of designing an optimal shape. Well designed oil booms should be able to follow the water surface closely and also maintain a vertical position in waves. A numerical method based on a linear potential theory is developed to predict the motion characteristics of oil boom in waves; the optimal configuration of the boom is determined based on numerical studies. Hamiltan's principle is employed to derive the equations of motion of the float and the skirt. The equations of motion are formulated for the case in which the float and the skirt are connected by a hinge. The computational method is limited to a two-dimensional approximation. Through the parameter study of physical properties (draft, shape of boom, weight of chain, water plane area), we can decide the optimal shape of oil boom to produce minimum relative heave response in waves.