Hydrodynamics around a jacket-type foundation structure in steady current: A combined experimental and numerical study

This study investigates the flow characteristics around a complex jacket-type foundation structure when subjected to steady current. The investigation is conducted through physical experiments and numerical simulations. A fully three-dimensional OpenFOAM model is implemented, solving the Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. In addition, physical experiments were carried out using Particle Image Velocimetry techniques to measure flow velocities around a joint element of the same jacket-type structure. High-resolution measurements were taken in several cross-sectional planes. The findings demonstrate a complex location-dependent flow pattern. Over the height of the jacket, the acceleration of flow and the vortex systems alter as the jacket narrows and distances between structural element change. Flow variations at different cross-sections along the jacket highlight the complex influence of specific jacket elements on the flow behavior. The inclination of piles, along with their varying diameters and arrangements, has a significant impact on the flow field. This makes the direct application of knowledge on the hydrodynamics around pile groups challenging. The geometry of the structure leads to an asymmetrical distribution of maximum shear stress amplification around the main piles, which influences scour depth expectations.