Numerical study of gap resonance excited by surface waves at laboratory scale with application to side-by-side offloading

Resonance of the free surface wave motions in the gap between a carrier and terminal is a critical issue to be considered for liquefied natural gas offloading operations. This thesis has focused on computational-fluid-dynamics modelling of two- and three-dimensional gap resonance in-between two parallel vessels excited by waves at laboratory-scale. Wave and (laminar) boundary layer scale processes have been resolved to successfully reproduce experimental gap responses including higher harmonics, and extensive interrogation of flow field information has been used to provide insight beyond existing experimental observations. Parametric studies have also been carried out which might prove helpful for future studies.