Session: 07-08-02: Multibody Dynamic Systems and Applications II

Paper Number: 139590

139590 - Offshore Personell Transfer 

Offshore Personnel Transfer Systems (OPTS) present a multifaceted and highly sophisticated approach to facilitating safe and efficient personnel transfer between offshore installations, specifically tailored to meet the rigorous demands of the marine environment. These systems integrate state-of-the-art engineering principles and pioneering materials to ensure unwavering reliability and optimal performance even in the most formidable conditions. By facilitating intricate movements and precise positioning, OPTS not only enable optimal reach and access during personnel transfer operations but also prove indispensable in navigating the unpredictable and often harsh weather conditions typical of offshore environments. This inherent adaptability allows for seamless maneuvering within the spatial confines imposed by offshore platforms and vessels, thereby significantly enhancing overall operational efficiency and safety protocols. Fundamental to the ethos of OPTS design are the principles of safety, reliability, and operational simplicity. Through the strategic application of advanced materials and engineering methodologies, OPTS are meticulously crafted to withstand the relentless challenges posed by offshore conditions, including prolonged exposure to corrosive saltwater and the erratic motions induced by turbulent waves. While material considerations remain paramount, this paper directs its primary focus towards an in-depth analysis of the overarching design strategies employed within OPTS.  Within the confines of this study, the Moving Frame Method (MFM) emerges as the preferred analytical framework for evaluating OPTS. Rooted in the foundational principles of Lie Group Theory and Cartan’s Notion of moving reference frames, the MFM provides a succinct and efficient means of deciphering the complexities inherent in single and multi-body dynamics. Leveraging recent advancements, notably the development of a kinematic transfer variable, serves to expedite the coding process while concurrently augmenting computational efficiency. Furthermore, by harnessing the capabilities of the Special Euclidean Group for analysis and simulation purposes, this paper vividly illustrates how the MFM serves as a catalyst for driving forward advanced research and development initiatives, thereby empowering students to delve into the intricate dynamics of engineering and coding.  In fact, the project demonstrates how to use MATLAB to analyze the results, and, in the finale, have MATLAB write the JavaScript code for visualization.  Thus, complementing this analytical approach, the integration of WebGL for 3D simulations offers a visually immersive experience, fostering a comprehensive understanding of system behavior and performance dynamics. Moreover, this project serves as a pivotal stepping stone towards the seamless integration of smart technologies within OPTS. Through the incorporation of real-time monitoring, sensor feedback mechanisms, and automated control systems, the next evolutionary phase of OPTS promises to usher in unparalleled levels of operational efficiency and safety enhancements. In essence, OPTS epitomizes a significant leap forward within the offshore industry landscape, offering a robust, adaptable, and future-proof solution for facilitating the seamless transfer of personnel across challenging maritime environments.

Presenting Author: Thorstein Rykkje Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

Presenting Author Biography: Thomas Impelluso received his BA in art history, BS in civil engineering and MS in bioengineering from Columbia University. UCSD awarded him the doctoral degree in computational mechanics. He was a tenured professor at San Diego State University. He now teaches and conducts research at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

Authors:

Thorstein Rykkje Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Suliman Hamrah Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Sondre Myklebost Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Thomas Impelluso Western Norway University of Applied Sciences