Dr Subrata K Chakrabarti visited WIT to present a one-day course entitled 'Theory and Practice of Riser and Mooring Dynamics', which was well represented by the offshore industry.

Lectures were presented on the following topics:

  • Basic Hydrodynamics
  • Current and Wave Loads
  • Hydrodynamic Coefficients
  • Dampings of Moorings and Risers
  • Frequency and Mode Shapes
  • Vortex Induced Vibration
  • Lock-On Phenomenon
  • VIV Suppression
  • Mooring Types (Catenary, taut, etc)
  • Mooring Components
  • Mooring Line Characteristics
  • Static Catenary Equations
  • Dynamics of Moorings
  • Drilling and Production Risers
  • Riser Equations
  • Steel Catenary Riser
  • SCR Equations
  • Dynamics of Risers
  • Method of Solution
  • CFD Analysis
  • Commercial Software
  • Design Guidelines
  • Example Problems
  • Scaling Laws and Test Facilities
  • Mooring System Modelling
  • Riser Modelling
  • Field Testing
  • Case Study

The course had two main objectives:

1. To provide a basic understanding of hydrodynamic design of moorings and risers with particular emphasis to their application.

2. To offer experience with the actual design analysis, model tests and field application.

A lecture on a theoretical topic identified in the course outline was presented emphasizing different mooring and riser types used in offshore, and their method of analysis. Subsequently, a discussion was made with relevant design calculations and their application. Applicability in design and limitations of the methods was discussed and demonstrated with the help of practical examples & design charts.

Dr Subrata K Chakrabarti is the president of Offshore Structure Analysis Inc. and the past Director of Marine Research Division of Chicago Bridge & Iron Company. He has over 30 years' experience in offshore structure design and analysis, and was involved in the development of many offshore production structures. He has published over 150 technical papers and has written four textbooks.