• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2021

A Leg Mating Unit (LMU) is a device utilized during the float-over installation of offshore structures that include hyperelastic pads and mating part. The hyperelastic pads absorb the loads, whereas the mating part works as guidance between topside and supporting structures during the mating sequence of float-over installation. In this study, the design optimization of an LMU for the float-over installation of floating-type offshore structures is conducted to enhance the performance and to satisfy the requirements defined by classification society regulations. The initial dimensions of the LMU are referred to the dimensions of those used in fixed-type float-over installation because only the location and the number of LMUs are known. The two-parameter Mooney-Rivlin model is adopted to describe the hyperelastic pads under given material parameters. Geometric variables, such as the thickness, height, and width of members, as well as configuration variables, such as the angle and number of members, are defined as design variables and are parameterized. A sampling-based design sensitivity analysis based on latin hypercube sampling method is performed to filter the important design variables. The design optimization problem is formulated to minimize the total mass of the LMU under maximum von Mises stress and reaction force constraints.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.106-111
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• 2017

In this study, the stiffness of an LMU (Leg Mating Unit), which is a device required for installing the top side part of an offshore structure, was examined through structural analysis. This unit is mounted on the supporting point of the structure and is used to absorb the shock at installation. It is a cylindrical structure with an empty center. To support the vertical load, elastomeric bearings (EBs) and iron plates are laminated in layers. The stiffness of the EBs is basically influenced by the size of the bearings, but it varies with the number of laminated sheets inside the same sized structure. The relationship between the stiffener and the compressive stiffness is investigated, and its design is suggested. The stiffness of the EBs is analyzed by calculating the reaction force, while controlling the displacement. First, the relationship between the size of the reinforcing plate and the compressive stiffness is considered. Next, the relationship between the number of stacked reinforcing plates and the compression stiffness is considered. Different loads are required for each installed point. The goal is to design the compression stiffness in such a way that the same deformation occurs at each point in the analysis. In this study, ANSYS is used to perform the FE analysis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Process Engineers
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.75-82
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• 2018

This study suggests an optimal design process of an LMU, which is installed on the top side of offshore structures. The LMU is consist of EB(elastomeric bearing) and steel plate, and supports the vertical loads of offshore structures and assists its stable installation. The structural design requirement of the LMU is related to its stiffness. This study utilizes the finite element analysis to predict the stiffness. The stiffness of the EB depends on the size of the bearing. Thus, the design variables in this study are defined as the thickness, the width and the number of plates. Since the LMU has different loads for different locations, its stiffness should be designed differently. The multiobjective function is introduced to attain the target stiffness. In this process, the metamodel using the kriging interpolation method is adopted to replace the true stiffness.