Nonlinear Network Dynamic Characteristics of Multi-Module Floating Airport with Flexible Connectors

The floating airport consisting of multi-modules with flexible connectors forms a complex dynamic network. A generalized network model is formulated based on the models of single floating module, linear hydrodynamic model, mooring constraints and elastic connectors with geometric nonlinearity. We study the synergistic dynamic behaviors of the floating airport by using network theory. The phenomenon of amplitude death, a collectively weak oscillatory state, is investigated which is especially important for global stability design of the floating airport in waves. Numerical simulations illustrate the occurrence of amplitude death in a parameter domain spanned by wave period and connector stiffness. The paper presents a new methodology for nonlinear dynamics prediction of very large floating structures.