Efficient derivation of extreme non-Gaussian stochastic structural response using the finite-memory nonlinear system (FMNSNL). Part 1: model development

For offshore structural design, the load due to wind-generated random waves is usually the most important source of loading. The most accurate method that is commonly used to evaluate the offshore structural response on the subjected load is the Monte Carlo time simulation which can account for all sorts of nonlinearities without introducing any approximations. However, it is computationally very demanding due to its complex procedure. A simple method using finite-memory nonlinear system (FMNS) has been introduced. The method is, however, only applicable based on the linear wave analysis. Hence, by taking advantage on the efficiency of FMNS method, a new model needs to be developed by apply the FMNS method with a nonlinear wave analysis for a more reliable result. The most appropriate model can then be used to determine the probability distribution of response extreme values with great efficiency and accuracy.