Wave Impact Loads on Vertical Circular Cylinder and the Effect of Hydrophobic Surface

This study presents experimental research on the wave forces affecting cylindrical legs on offshore platforms. The aim was to determine pressure distributions and deformations in the surface properties of altered cylinders by applying a hydrophobic coating. The results show that the hydrophobic coating increases the angle at which water droplets hit the surface, reducing water adhesion. The study used wave loads of 9 cm amplitude and 0.7 Hz frequency, three pressure sensors, and a strain gauge to measure pressure distributions and surface deformations. Findings show that the pressure response for hydrophobic surfaces varied based on the sensor's location, with a decrease in maximum pressure or impact time. Strain measurements for hydrophobic surfaces were 15% higher than for uncoated surfaces due to structural deformation caused by surface property changes. Additionally, hydrophobic cylinders experienced a water rise of at least 1.5 cm compared to uncoated cylinders due to pressure distribution on the hydrophobic surface. The findings suggest that surface modifications, such as hydrophobic coatings, can significantly impact the response of cylindrical structures to wave forces, providing valuable information for offshore platform design and maintenance. Image processing supports this observation, which indicates the variation in the size of the water body to which the surface is exposed. © 2023, TUBITAK. All rights reserved.