A four-dimensional digital twin framework for fatigue damage assessment of semi-submersible platforms and practical application

• Published in: Ocean engineering Vol. 301; p. 117273
• Main Authors: Wu, Bo, Wei, Qiangqiang, Li, Xin, Kou, Yufeng, Lu, Wenyue, Ge, Haiyang, Guo, Xiaozhou
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Digital twin; Fatigue damage assessment; Field measurement; High-fidelity digital model; Stress twinning; Fatigue damage assessment; Field measurement; Digital twin; High-fidelity digital model; Stress twinning
• ISSN: 0029-8018; 1873-5258
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2024.117273

In the dynamic and challenging environment of deep-water operations, structural integrity is of paramount importance, particularly given the harsh and ever-evolving conditions these assets endure. This often results in significant fatigue damage, a primary concern in ocean engineering. Recent advancements in digital technologies, notably the concept of the digital twin, have revolutionized this field, significantly enhancing the intelligence and efficiency of structural operation and maintenance. This paper presents an innovative four-dimensional digital twin framework, meticulously designed for the fatigue damage assessment of semi-submersible platforms. We provide an in-depth examination of the critical technologies pertinent to each dimension and elucidate the intricate interplay of data flow amongst them. A key highlight of this study is the introduction of an advanced stress twinning methodology. This novel approach adeptly integrates real-time monitoring data with the results of high-fidelity numerical simulations. To validate the applicability and efficacy of this framework, it was implemented on a deep-water semi-submersible platform in the South China Sea. The application involved comprehensive fatigue damage assessments, demonstrating the framework's practical utility and potential as a transformative tool in the realm of ocean engineering. •A four-dimensional digital twin framework is developed for assessing fatigue damage in semi-submersible platforms.•The monitoring data and high-fidelity numerical simulation results are fused together in the stress twinning approach.•The proposed framework is applied to a deep-water semi-submersible platform operating in the South China Sea.