Finite element – boundary element method for hydroelastic analysis of floating platforms with wide porous media

This paper presents a finite element–multi-domain boundary element (FE–MDBE) method for the hydroelastic analysis of floating platforms incorporating wide porous media. The numerical framework is based on linear wave theory for the fluid domain, and shell theory for the structural domain. The proposed method is verified through comparisons with available semi-analytical solutions for large floating rigid platforms incorporating wide porous media. Its predictions are further assessed against experimental data from related hydrodynamic problems involving perforated cylinders and floating flexible platforms. The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated through hydrodynamic and hydroelastic analyses of a circular floating platform with wide porous media along its perimeter, very large shallow-draft floating platforms equipped with porous media at their fore, and floating breakwaters incorporating porous lower sections. These analyses provide numerical evidence supporting the stability and reliability of the proposed method for the examined problems, while direct experimental validation of the coupled FE–MDBE method remains necessary in future studies. It is also found that wide porous media can significantly reduce the hydroelastic responses and wave loads of floating platforms. The proposed numerical framework enables the hydroelastic analysis and supports the development of floating platforms incorporating wide porous media.