Dr.

Nabanita Datta
Assistant Professor
Department of Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. West Bengal 721302
Phone : 03222-282890(O), 282891 (R). Email : ndatta@naval.iitkgp.ernet.in


B.Tech Projects (2014-15)

1) Theoretical analysis of Vortex-induced Tendon and Riser Vibration of Tension Leg Platform in the
Indian Ocean under Current and Wave loads : A dynamic strength perspective. (Code : TLP)
Abstract
A theoretical analysis of vortex-induced vibration of idealized steel tension leg platform (TLP) is presented.
The riser is modeled as a vertical Euler-Bernoulli beam, with the flexural displacement and slope zero at the
sea-bed, while the flexural slope and shear force is zero at the top. The TLP is subjected to steady currents,
which cause vortex-shedding downstream, leading to cross-flow vortex-induced vibrations (VIV). The
resulting harmonic strung vibration of the tendons is analyzed for possibility of resonant behavior. The
tendons and the riser are then studied for random wave excitation. The maximum deflection of the
tendons/riser, and their spectra are generated for all sea states. The maximum bending moment and shear
force in the riser, and the maximum tension in the tendons, due to the combined effects of the random waves
and the VIV, are analyzed. The analyses give insights into the structural strength of the TLP, leading to
recommendation for structural design.




2) Rudder blade vibration under wake loading (Code : RBV)
Abstract
Non-uniform wake flow behind the ship due to the propeller slipstream causes dynamic loading on the
rudder, leading to rudder vibration and flutter. Here, the chord-wise free vibration characteristics of a rudder
is studied. The symmetrical aerofoil section has been modeled as a non-uniform Euler-Bernoulli beam, free
at both the ends and hinged at the rudder stock. The non-uniform beam modeshape is assumed to be weighted
superposition of the uniform beam modes. Natural frequencies are calculated for various positions of the
rudder stock. Using strip theory, added mass is calculated for chord-wise and span-wise vibrations using the
2-D source distribution technique (Panel method). Wet natural frequencies are calculated and compared with
the dry ones.


3) Offshore wind turbine vibration under rotating unbalance and environmental loads (Code : OWT)
Abstract
A horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) is modeled as a vertical non-uniform (tapering) Timoshenko
beam, with a rotating tip mass at its free end. Three water depths are studied : (a) Shallow water (<30 m),
where a pile foundation is considered; (b) Transition depth (30 - 60 m), for which the underwater part of the
HAWT is a frame; and (c) Deep water (> 60 m), for which tension legs are employed.
Case (a) : The Timoshenko beam is considered partly wet. The base is modeled as a combination of
translational and rotational springs and dampers, in order to account for the soil texture.
Case (b) : The solid Timoshenko beam is completely dry, while underwater frame is modeled as a hollow
tapered Timoshenko beam, with non-uniform mass and stiffness distributions. The base is modeled as a
combination of translational and rotational springs and dampers, in order to account for the soil texture.
Case (c) : The tension in the underwater tendons acts as a tensile load on the dry Timoshenko beam. The base
is free to surge/sway.
The free vibration of the HAWT is studied with the following complexities : Shear deformation and rotary
inertia are included in the dynamic analysis, The tip mass causes axial compressive load on the structure. The
tip mass increases the inertia of the system, and influences the dynamic boundary conditions at the top. The
self-weight of the structure itself acts as a linearly increasing axial compressive load, from the tip to the base.
The structure and the boundary conditions are both damped using the Kelvin-Voith damping.
The forced vibration of the HAWT is studied when the turbine rotates to convert wind energy to electrical
energy. The rotating turbine is assumed to be unbalances, with an unbalance mass m and unbalance
eccentricity e. It is assumed to be rotating at an angular frequency rad/sec. The horizontal component of
the rotating unbalance force leads to flexural vibrations of the tapered Timoshenko beam, while the vertical
component leads to axial vibrations. The two modes of vibration get coupled by the inertia of the tip mass.
The coupled flexural-axial vibration is studied for various angular frequencies, unbalances masses and
eccentricities.