Sesam Floating Structures is a complete toolkit for performing hydrostatic, hydrodynamic and structural strength analysis. This leads to enhanced quality, reduced software costs and reduced need for training.

The lack of data integration between various software tools prevents efficient design iterations, as it is necessary to modify the various data models and perform re-analysis for each project revision. Furthermore, when different models are created, the design project is prone to quality problems – in particular when the project setup is based on a globally distributed working environment.

Using concept technologies in computer- aided engineering has proven to be cost-efficient in all life cycle phases, as the same concept model can be used for different complexities. Typically, the same concept model can be used to create different analysis representations for hydrostatic/dynamic analysis, global strength analysis, local ULS analysis and detailed fatigue analysis. The use of concept modelling enables fast design iterations in Sesam, as modelling is carried out on the structure level – as compared to traditional modelling methods on a geometry or finite element level.

By modelling your experiences – or Best Engineering Practice – in a workflow modelling system, it is possible to share these as templates to the entire organisation. This leads to standardisation of work processes, reduced learning curve and the facilitation of distributed work, resulting in higher quality.

Perform your analyses with ease
Sesam supports the life cycle approach of offshore structures. This means that analyses may be carried out for the different stages in a platform’s life. Common for all analyses is that they are easy to carry out. Either a rule-based approach (no integration with hydrodynamic analysis) or a direct analysis approach (hydrodynamic loads automatically included) is used. There are no limitations to the analysis models in terms of model size or number of loadcases. The analyses are carried out using highly efficient and robust solvers, enabling the use of standard hardware for large problems.

A unique feature in Sesam is the possibility to perform equilibrium analyses and use the various floating positions without altering any model in the hydrostatic or hydrodynamic analysis. Of equal importance is the ability to perform non-linear hydrodynamic analysis of offshore structures to include typically pressure loading to the varying sea surface level and to load all wetted surfaces (green sea pressure).

Analysis types supported are typically global and local structural analysis, eigenvalue analysis, forced dynamic analysis and push-over analysis. Sesam has been knownt o support distributed and concurrent engineering by using the super-element technique. It is also very easy to perform local refined analysis based on a global analysis model without the need for reanalysis of the whole structure.

Sesam Floating Structures is the perfect tool for ballasting, hydrostatic and hydrodynamic analysis of large floating structures such as barges, ships of any type, semisubmersibles, tension leg platforms, floating production storage units or spar buoys, design of mooring lines and risers ranging from shallow to ultra-deep water depths.

Closing the design loop
Results assessment is a major part of the design process. This package facilitates an easy way to graphically or tabularly evaluate results whether they are deformations, forces, stresses or fatigue life. 3D high-resolution pictures or tables for use in design reports may be created one by one or by use of scripting techniques. Offshore structures subjected to wave loads are normally analysed with a high number of loadcases. There are powerful features for combining and scanning results to find the worst conditions.

To document statutory compliance, Sesam includes the most recent code check standards for hydro-stability analysis and structural analysis. Sesam Floating Structures contains three main packages; the topside package, the hull package, and the mooring and riser package. The packages build on each other – i.e. the functionality in one package may be used in the next package.