Applications of Constraints

Introduction

Version 7.2 Version 8.0 Version 10.1

• A new object in OrcaFlex – the first time

this has happened since, well, no one
can really remember!
• The first Windows release (6.0) contained
the seven objects that have been present
up to 10.0. We now have eight in 10.1.
www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 1
 Applications of Constraints
Reminder
• The Constraint object doesn’t itself model
a physical object.
• Intended to have object(s) connected to it
whose degrees of freedom (DOFs) need
to be constrained.
• No limitation to the mix of DOFs that can
be constrained.
• Simple example - 6D buoy.
www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 2
 Applications of Constraints
• How can the previous simple example
now be applied to a real situation?
• Let’s modify a simple Wave Energy
Converter to include Constraints…

• Contouring raft-type WEC.

• Three rafts hinged together.
• Energy take-off piston between
each raft section.
• Hinges formed by two pairs of
pivot lines.

www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 3

 Applications of Constraints
• How about something more complicated?
• Consider a stinger model…

• Three section articulated

stinger.
• Hinged at vessel and
between each section.
• Four supports on each roller
box, two pivoting roller boxes
on each section, six roller
boxes in total.

www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 4

 Applications of Constraints
• Requirements for previous method:
• 6D buoy for each roller box, plus 6D buoy
for each stinger section (nine in total).
• Two lines for each ‘pivot point’ with non-
linear torsional stiffness (eighteen in
total). One line placed on either side of
each pivot point.
• Challenging to build a stable and
representative model.

www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 5

 Applications of Constraints
• Requirements for Constraints method:
• One 6D buoy for each roller box (six in
total).
• One constraint for each roller box pivot,
plus one constraint for each stinger
connection point (nine in total)
• Non-linear rotational stiffness applied on
the Constraint data form to simulate roller
box ‘stops’.
• Easy to build, and very stable.

www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 6

 Applications of Constraints

• We’ve seen a couple of examples where

a Constraint object can simulate a pivot.
• Other uses for Constraints?
– Connection points
– Relative positioning of objects
– Results at specific locations
– Sliding mechanisms
– Imposed motion
• Let’s take a look at Imposed Motion…

www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 7

 Applications of Constraints

• Imposed Displacement Constraints

– Used in the same way as Prescribed Motion for
vessels, by defining a time history.
– Time history defined internally or externally.
• How about a simple example…?

www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 8

 Applications of Constraints
• What about a realistic application?

www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 9

 Applications of Constraints
• What about a realistic application?
• A crane, perhaps?

Photo: www.worldmaritimenews.com

www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 10

 Applications of Constraints

• Other applications for Constraints?

– Jacket Launch
– FPSO Turret
– Sheave
– CALM Buoy
– and many more…!
• Let’s look at some of the above in a little
more detail…

www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 11

 Applications of Constraints
Limitations
• A quick look at what you can’t currently
use Constraints for…
– No friction
– Calculated DOFs can’t be enabled, or indeed
disabled, part way through a simulation (e.g. similar
to the line end connection function ‘Release at Start
of Stage’)
– As users start to dabble with Constraints, there are
likely to be desirable additional features we haven’t
even considered yet! We await with interest what
suggestions you come up with…!
www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 12
 Applications of Constraints

• And finally…

www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 13

 Applications of Constraints

• And finally…
• Thank you for listening!
• Any Questions?

www.orcina.com OrcaFlex User Group, 2016 Slide 14