Accession Number:

ADA017099

Title:

An In-situ Investigation of Oil Barrier Shape and Drag Coefficients.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.,

Corporate Author:

RHODE ISLAND UNIV KINGSTON DEPT OF OCEAN ENGINEERING

Personal Author(s):

• Larrabee,Richard M.
• Brown,George A.

Report Date:

1974-07-01

Pagination or Media Count:

219.0

Abstract:

In-situ experimentation on a moored 100 foot section of commercially procured oil barrier was carried out. The objectives of this study were three-fold To study oil barrier shape and tensions as influenced by current and wave action, to analyze data on the barrier shape with existing analyses and to compare results of tension and drag coefficient data with previous investigations. Actual barrier shape, measured by transit, was compared to a theoretical catenary drawn through the barrier end points. Shape, load, current, and wave data were used to calculate various drag coefficients for the boom. Two techniques were used to calculate drag coefficients for the barrier and results of each were compared. The effects of wave action on barrier loading were determined by the analysis of two previous investigators and the results compared. Values of drag coefficient were reduced to a basic drag coefficient, independent of barrier shape configuration as well as wave effects. Results of the investigation showed that the catenary curve is a good approximation to barrier shape.

Descriptors:

• *Oil pollution
• *Oil spills
• *Barriers
• Containment(General)
• Ocean waves
• Fluid flow
• Tension
• Drag
• Ocean currents
• Water pollution
• Booms(Equipment)
• Test methods
• Mathematical analysis
• Computer programs
• Catenaries

Subject Categories:

• Physical and Dynamic Oceanography
• Marine Engineering
• Water Pollution and Control

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE