A frequency domain analysis method for the dynamic response of a submerged floating tunnel under wave action.

To investigate the dynamic response of a submerged floating tunnel (SFT) under the action of waves, a modal superposition method in the frequency domain was established, and the amplitudes of the modals were determined using the generalized wave loads and hydrodynamic coefficients of the structural modals. In this model, the SFT was simplified as a constant-cross-section Euler–Bernoulli beam with multiple anchor cables, and its structural modals were resolved using the finite element method (FEM). The generalized wave loads and generalized hydrodynamic coefficients were obtained using the Fourier expansion strategy of the modal function, by which the hydrodynamic problem can be converted into 2D problems with the modified Helmholtz controlling equation and solved using the matched higher-order boundary element method (HOBEM) and eigenfunction expansion. The effects of the diameter of the anchor cables and length of the SFT on the stiffness of the structure and the dynamic response of an SFT with anchor cables under wave action were investigated. Furthermore, the effects of different added mass calculation methods on the structural response were studied. In addition, the wave exciting forces were calculated using potential flow theory or linearized Morison equations according to the wave scale. Finally, the effects of the incident wave frequencies and incident angles were investigated in detail to reveal the combined resonance mechanism. • A modal superposition method in the frequency domain is established to investigate the dynamic response of a submerged floating tunnel (SFT) under the action of waves. • The finite element method (FEM) and high order matched boundary element method (HOBEM) are used for the dry modal and hydrodynamic analysis of an SFT. • The generalized exciting forces and hydrodynamic coefficients of an SFT are constructed through Fourier series transformation of modal functions. • The wave exciting forces are calculated using diffraction theory or Morison equation based on the ratio of the SFT cross-sectional size to wave length. • The influence of the cable diameter and SFT spanwise length on the dynamic behavior of the structure are studied. The influence of incident wave frequencies and angles on the dynamic response of an SFT are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]