Influence of freak wave properties on the dynamic response of offshore triceratops

The offshore triceratops platform represents an innovative solution for ultra-deepwater applications, and its response assessment is crucial for enhancing resilience against extreme wave events like freak waves. In the present study, a comprehensive parametric analysis of the dynamic response of the platform under varying freak wave characteristics was carried out. A numerical model of the offshore triceratops was developed in ANSYS AQWA, followed by a nonlinear response analysis under twelve distinct wave profiles by varying four key freak wave parameters (β1, β2, μ, and α). The results indicated that higher μ and α values significantly increased surge and pitch amplitudes, affecting both the deck and buoyant legs. Regarding heave response, μ had the most substantial impact on the deck and buoyant leg. Increased μ and α also raised the tether tension variation, indicating the sudden rise in wave height may endanger structural safety.