CHAPTER 7.5
The influence of the environment on the shape and motion
of the boom was studied and the following observations
were made:
• Under the influence of currents and waves, the boom
flexed into a curved shape as expected.
• Even in waves with a short wavelength, the boom
followed the waves. No over-topping of water was observed.
• While in the moored position, the ballast attached
to the boom skirt was sufficient to maintain the vertical
orientation of the skirt. However, during the
towing (with speeds estimated to be between 30 and
60 cm/s), the skirt surfaced, indicating that at those
speeds, the amount of ballast was insufficient.
In Rotterdam, with the ballast being 5x heavier, the skirt
did not surface, even when applied to the daily maximal
current of -0.620 m/s. However, the skirt did flex to an angle
of about 30-35° relative. As a result we strongly suggest
increasing the ballast in later tests.