Research Capabilities

Our research program is carried out by staff engineers and faculty of Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin. We draw on the world-renowned research expertise of Texas A&M University's Dwight Look College of Engineering, the University of Texas' Cockrell School of Engineering and the Texas Engineering Experiment Station to conduct research in the following areas:

Fluid-Structure Interaction

CFD modeling of

• Riser VIV
• Wave impact and greenwater loading
• Tank sloshing

Experimental measurement of extreme waves

• Optical velocimetry - PIV, BIV
• Void fraction (greenwater)

Coupled dynamics of floating structures

• Wave radiation/diffraction WAMMIT
• Separated flows (bilge keels)
• Moorings & risers coupled to floater - COUPLE
• Multi-body hydrodynamics - WINPOST
• Progressive failure and loss of stability

Scale model Testing

• OTRC wave basin
• Haynes Lab wave basin and tow/current flume
• Design of equivalent mooring and riser systems

Soil-Structure Interaction

Plasticity modeling of

• SCR trenching
• Suction caisson behavior
• Plate anchor behavior

CFD modeling of

• Torpedo pile penetration & capacity development
• Ice ridge/seafloor/pipeline interaction during ice gouging

FEM modeling of

• Suction caisson installation & capacity development
• Pipeline collapse and buckle propagation

Scale modeling of

• Suction caisson behavior (vertical load capacity)
• Plate anchor behavior (in- and out-of-plane loading to failure)

Metocean and Seafloor Characterization

High resolution seafloor mapping

• Geohazards (furrows, etc.)
• Core sampling and analysis

Nonlinear modeling of storm waves

• Long-short wave interaction
• Decomposition of random directional wave fields

GIS databases

• Seafloor properties
• Hurricane hindcast data
• Offshore infrastructure

Assessment of environmental risks

• Mudslides
• Slope stability

Mechanics of Materials

Composite pipe (risers, tendons, pipelines)

• Constitutive modeling
• FEM modeling of combined loading effects
• Assessment of connectors and material layering

Intact and damaged capacity of polyester rope

• Testing to failure
• Theoretical modeling

Risk/Reliability Assessment/Management

Comparative risk assessment of new technologies

• FPSO's for Gulf of Mexico
• Composite risers
• Gas handling options

Assessment of environmental risks

• Hurricane damage

Utra-deepwater drilling

Human Factors Engineering