Effect of Hydrodynamic Coefficients on Triangular Tension Leg Platform (TLP) Responses

Triangular configuration tension leg platforms (TLPs) are still new in the offshore
industry for deep water oil and gas exploration. With its excellent station keeping
characteristics for deepwater, this type ofplatform can be a major consideration for the
industry around the world. Instead of square configuration, triangular is used instead
because it is more cost effective in term of saving in steel. This study focuses on the
effect of the hydrodynamic coefficients which are drag coefficient (CD) and inertia
coefficient (CM) oftriangular tension leg platform responses. The responses that need to
be evaluated will be surge and heave responses under the impact wave loads. The
Morison's equation will be used to find the forces on each member which is the three
hulls and three pontoons. Asingle-parameter energy spectrum that based on significant
wave height or wind speed will be evaluated. By calculating the design parameters of
the triangular TLP, Response-Amplitude Operator (RAO) can be obtained and with it
the surge and heave responses can be solve analytically. From this analysis, it is
indicated that the responses subjected tothe three different coefficients give small effect
ofresponses considering three types of members ofthe triangular tension leg platform
which is clean, semi-fouled, and fouled. These prove that the triangular tension leg
platform canbe designed at anycondition of the members.