Summary

The Surface tarpaulin load formulation has been implemented to AquaSim for analysis of hydrodynamic forces on horizontal textiles situated at the water surface. The approach combines linear wave theory with a finite-element presentation of the tarpaulin. Hydrodynamic forces due to current and waves are included.

Water depth corrections (finite- and infinite water depth) are included to account for both a circular and elliptical orbital motion of fluid particles and the corresponding change in pressure field.

A suction coefficient is introduced to account for the binding force between the free surface and the tarpaulin. Validation through numerical and physical model tests confirm that the load formulation in AquaSim provides realistic results but is strongly dependent on the magnitude of the Surface suction coefficient.

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