CFD code comparison, verification and validation for decay tests of a FOWT semi-submersible floater

Abstract

With the advancement of high-performance computation capabilities in recent years, high-fidelity modelling tools such as computational fluid dynamics are becoming increasingly popular in the offshore renewable sector. To justify the credibility of the numerical simulations, thorough verification and validation is essential. In this work, preparatory heave decay tests for a freely floating single cylinder are modelled. Subsequently, the surge and sway decays of a linearly moored floating offshore wind turbine model of the OC4 (Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration Continuation) phase II semi-submersible platform are simulated. Two different viscous-flow CFD codes are used: OpenFOAM (open-source), and ReFRESCO (community-based open-usage).