Nonlinear Response Prediction of Spar Platform in Deep Water Using an Artificial Neural Network

Abstract

The finite element method (FEM) is an essential method for predicting the response of the spar platform considering all nonlinear variables. Although FEM is an extremely laborious and time-consuming process for predicting platform responses using hydrodynamic loads, artificial neural networks (ANNs) can predict the response quickly, as required for platform management to either linger or stop the production of oil and gas. The application of ANN approaches to estimate the wave height and period from the expected wind forces is investigated in this paper. The ANN model can also predict the nonlinear responses of the spar platform subjected to the structural parameter as well as the wave height and wave period. The backpropagation technique depletes feed-forward neural networks, allowing the network to be trained. Following the formation of the neural network, rapid reactions from a freshly anticipated wind force are obtained. The results are validated via a comparison with results from a conventional finite element analysis. The findings demonstrate that the artificial neural network (ANN) technique is effective and is able to significantly reduce the required time to make predictions when compared to the conventional FEM.

Keywords

• spar platform
• finite element method
• artificial neural networks
• response prediction
• environmental forces