w

OrcaFlex Manual
Version 9.8a

Orcina Ltd.
Daltongate
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 7AJ
UK
Telephone:
E-mail:
Web Site:

+44 (0) 1229 584742

[email protected]
www.orcina.com

Contents

CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10

11

Installing OrcaFlex
Running OrcaFlex
Parallel Processing
Distributed OrcaFlex
Orcina Licence Monitor
Demonstration Version
OrcaFlex Examples
Validation and QA
Orcina
References and Links

11
13
14
15
15
15
15
15
15
16

2 TUTORIAL
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10

21

Getting Started
Building a Simple System
Adding a Line
Adjusting the View
Static Analysis
Dynamic Analysis
Multiple Views
Looking at Results
Getting Output
Input Data

21
21
21
22
22
23
23
23
24
24

3 USER INTERFACE
3.1

3.2

3.3

25

Introduction

25

3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.1.5
3.1.6

25
25
25
27
28
28

Program Windows
The Model
Model States
Toolbar
Status Bar
Mouse and Keyboard Actions

OrcaFlex Model Files

31

3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4

31
32
38
39

Data Files
Text Data Files
Simulation Files
Relative Paths

Model Browser

39

3.3.1
3.3.2

41
42

Model Browser Views

Move Selected Objects Wizard

Contents

3.4
3.5

Libraries

43

3.4.1
3.4.2

43
46

Menus
3.5.1
3.5.2
3.5.3
3.5.4
3.5.5
3.5.6
3.5.7
3.5.8
3.5.9
3.5.10
3.5.11
3.5.12

3.6

3.7

3.8
3.9

Using Libraries
Building a Library

46
File Menu
Edit Menu
Model Menu
Calculation Menu
View Menu
Replay Menu
Graph Menu
Results Menu
Tools Menu
Workspace Menu
Window Menu
Help Menu

46
48
48
49
50
51
51
51
52
52
53
53

3D Views

53

3.6.1
3.6.2
3.6.3
3.6.4
3.6.5
3.6.6
3.6.7
3.6.8
3.6.9
3.6.10

54
56
56
57
58
60
60
60
60
61

View Parameters
View Control
Navigating in 3D Views
Shaded Graphics
How Objects are Drawn
Selecting Objects
Creating and Destroying Objects
Dragging Objects
Connecting Objects
Printing, Copying and Exporting Views

Replays

61

3.7.1
3.7.2
3.7.3
3.7.4

62
62
63
63

Replay Parameters
Replay Control
Custom Replays
Custom Replay Wizard

Data Forms

65

3.8.1
3.8.2

65
66

Data Fields
Data Form Editing

Results
3.9.1
3.9.2
3.9.3
3.9.4
3.9.5
3.9.6
3.9.7
3.9.8
3.9.9
3.9.10
3.9.11
3.9.12

67
Producing Results
Selecting Variables
Summary and Full Results
Statistics
Linked Statistics
Offset Tables
Line Clashing Report
Time History and XY Graphs
Range Graphs
Offset Graphs
Spectral Response Graphs
Extreme Value Statistics Results

67
68
69
69
69
70
70
71
72
73
73
73

w
3.9.13

Contents

Presenting OrcaFlex Results

76

3.10 Graphs
3.10.1

3.11
3.12
3.13
3.14
3.15

76
Modifying Graphs

78

Spreadsheets
Text Windows
Workspaces
Comparing Data
Preferences

78
78
79
79
80

4 AUTOMATION
4.1
4.2

4.3

Introduction
Batch Processing

83
83

4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.2.5
4.2.6
4.2.7
4.2.8

83
84
85
85
88
94
95
95

Introduction
Script Files
Script Syntax
Script Commands
Examples of setting data
Handling Script Errors
Obtaining Data Names
Automating Script Generation

Text Data Files

4.3.1
4.3.2

4.4

83

97

Examples of setting data

Automating Generation

97
103

Post-processing
4.4.1
4.4.2
4.4.3
4.4.4
4.4.5
4.4.6
4.4.7
4.4.8
4.4.9
4.4.10

105

Introduction
OrcaFlex Spreadsheet
Instruction Format
Pre-defined commands
Basic commands
Time History and related commands
Range Graph commands
Data commands
Instructions Wizard
Duplicate Instructions

5 THEORY
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5

5.6

119

Coordinate Systems
Direction Conventions
Object Connections
Interpolation Methods
Static Analysis
5.5.1
5.5.2
5.5.3

105
105
108
110
110
111
112
112
113
116

119
120
121
121
123

Line Statics
Buoy and Vessel Statics
Vessel Multiple Statics

123
126
127

Dynamic Analysis

127

Contents

5.6.1
5.6.2

5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10

Calculation Method
Ramping

128
130

Friction Theory
Spectral Response Analysis
Extreme Value Statistics Theory
Environment Theory

130
133
134
136

5.10.1
5.10.2
5.10.3
5.10.4
5.10.5
5.10.6

Buoyancy Variation with Depth

Current Theory
Seabed Theory
Seabed Non-Linear Soil Model Theory
Morison's Equation
Waves

5.11 Vessel Theory

5.11.1
5.11.2
5.11.3
5.11.4
5.11.5
5.11.6
5.11.7
5.11.8
5.11.9
5.11.10

136
137
137
138
143
144

151

Vessel Rotations
RAOs and Phases
RAO Quality Checks
Wave Drift and Sum Frequency Loads
Sea State Disturbance
Stiffness, Added Mass and Damping
Impulse Response and Convolution
Manoeuvring Load
Other Damping
Current and Wind Loads

151
152
154
155
160
161
164
165
166
166

5.12 Line Theory

168

5.12.1
5.12.2
5.12.3
5.12.4
5.12.5
5.12.6
5.12.7
5.12.8
5.12.9
5.12.10
5.12.11
5.12.12
5.12.13
5.12.14
5.12.15
5.12.16
5.12.17
5.12.18
5.12.19
5.12.20
5.12.21

168
170
171
171
172
175
175
176
176
177
177
177
179
180
181
182
184
186
186
187
187

Overview
Structural Model Details
Calculation Stages
Calculation Stage 1 Tension Forces
Calculation Stage 2 Bend Moments
Calculation Stage 3 Shear Forces
Calculation Stage 4 Torsion Moments
Calculation Stage 5 Total Load
Line End Orientation
Line Local Orientation
Treatment of Compression
Contents Flow Effects
Line Pressure Effects
Pipe Stress Calculation
Pipe Stress Matrix
Hydrodynamic and Aerodynamic Loads
Drag Chains
Line End Conditions
Interaction with the Sea Surface
Interaction with Seabed and Shapes
Clashing

5.13 6D Buoy Theory

5.13.1
5.13.2

189

Overview
Lumped Buoy Added Mass, Damping and Drag

189
191

w
5.13.3
5.13.4
5.13.5
5.13.6

Contents

Spar Buoy and Towed Fish Added Mass and Damping

Spar Buoy and Towed Fish Drag
Slam Force
Contact Forces

5.14 3D Buoy Theory

5.15 Winch Theory
5.16 Shape Theory

202
203
204

6 SYSTEM MODELLING: DATA AND RESULTS

6.1
6.2
6.3

Modelling Introduction
Data in Time History Files
Variable Data
6.3.1

6.4

6.5

External Functions

211

212

Statics
Dynamics
Integration & Time Steps
Explicit Integration
Implicit Integration
Numerical Damping
Response Calculation
Results
Post Calculation Actions
Drawing
Properties Report

213
214
215
215
217
217
218
218
218
223
223

Environment
6.5.1
6.5.2
6.5.3
6.5.4
6.5.5
6.5.6
6.5.7
6.5.8
6.5.9
6.5.10
6.5.11
6.5.12
6.5.13
6.5.14
6.5.15
6.5.16
6.5.17
6.5.18
6.5.19
6.5.20
6.5.21

207
207
208
210

General Data
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.4.3
6.4.4
6.4.5
6.4.6
6.4.7
6.4.8
6.4.9
6.4.10
6.4.11

192
195
197
201

223

Sea Data
Sea Density Data
Seabed Data
Wave Data
Data for Regular Waves
Data for Random Waves
Data for JONSWAP and ISSC Spectra
Data for Ochi-Hubble Spectrum
Data for Torsethaugen Spectrum
Data for Gaussian Swell Spectrum
Data for User Defined Spectrum
Data for Time History Waves
Data for User Specified Components
Data for Response Calculation
Wave Calculation
Waves Preview
Modelling Design Waves
Setting up a Random Sea
Current Data
Wind Data
Drawing Data

224
225
225
229
230
230
231
232
233
233
233
233
235
235
235
237
238
239
241
243
244

Contents

6.5.22
6.5.23
6.5.24

6.6
6.7

249
251

Vessel Modelling Overview

Vessel Data
Vessel Types
Importing Hydrodynamic Data
Supports
Modelling Vessel Slow Drift
Vessel Response Reports
Vessel Results

252
253
261
287
296
305
307
308

Lines
6.8.1
6.8.2
6.8.3
6.8.4
6.8.5
6.8.6
6.8.7
6.8.8
6.8.9
6.8.10
6.8.11
6.8.12
6.8.13
6.8.14
6.8.15
6.8.16
6.8.17
6.8.18
6.8.19
6.8.20
6.8.21
6.8.22

6.9

245
245
246

Solid Friction Coefficients Data

Vessels
6.7.1
6.7.2
6.7.3
6.7.4
6.7.5
6.7.6
6.7.7
6.7.8

6.8

External Functions
Results
Wave Scatter Conversion

312
Line Data
Line Types
Attachments
Rayleigh Damping
P-y Models
Code Checks
Line Contact
Line Results
Drag Chain Results
Flex Joint Results
Line Setup Wizard
Line Type Wizard
Chain
Rope/Wire
Line with Floats
Homogeneous Pipe
Hoses and Umbilicals
Modelling Stress Joints
Modelling Bend Restrictors
Modelling non-linear homogeneous pipes
Line Ends
Modelling Compression in Flexibles

6D Buoys
6.9.1
6.9.2
6.9.3
6.9.4
6.9.5
6.9.6
6.9.7
6.9.8
6.9.9
6.9.10
6.9.11
6.9.12

314
329
340
343
346
348
359
369
380
380
380
382
383
386
389
393
394
396
398
400
402
404

405

Wings
Common Data
Applied Loads
Wing Data
Wing Type Data
Lumped Buoy Properties
Lumped Buoy Drawing Data
Spar Buoy and Towed Fish Properties
Spar Buoy and Towed Fish Drag & Slam
Spar Buoy and Towed Fish Added Mass and Damping
Spar Buoy and Towed Fish Drawing
Shaded Drawing

406
407
409
409
410
412
413
414
416
417
418
419

w
6.9.13
6.9.14
6.9.15
6.9.16
6.9.17
6.9.18
6.9.19

Contents

Other uses
External Functions
Properties Report
Results
Buoy Hydrodynamics
Hydrodynamic Properties of a Rectangular Box
Modelling a Surface-Piercing Buoy

6.10 3D Buoys
6.10.1
6.10.2
6.10.3

431

Data
Properties Report
Results

431
432
432

6.11 Winches
6.11.1
6.11.2
6.11.3
6.11.4
6.11.5
6.11.6
6.11.7
6.11.8

433

Data
Wire Properties
Control
Control by Stage
Control by Whole Simulation
Drive Unit
External Functions
Results

434
435
435
435
436
436
437
437

6.12 Links
6.12.1
6.12.2

438
Data
Results

438
439

6.13 Shapes
6.13.1
6.13.2
6.13.3
6.13.4
6.13.5
6.13.6
6.13.7

440
Data
Blocks
Cylinders
Curved Plates
Planes
Drawing
Results

441
442
442
443
444
444
445

6.14 All Objects Data Form

445

7 MODAL ANALYSIS
7.1
7.2

449

Data and Results

Theory

449
451

8 FATIGUE ANALYSIS
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7

421
421
421
422
425
426
428

455

Introduction
Commands
Data
Load Cases Data for Regular Analysis
Load Cases Data for Rainflow Analysis
Load Cases Data for Spectral Analysis
Load Cases Data for SHEAR7

455
456
457
458
458
459
461

Contents

8.8
8.9
8.10
8.11
8.12
8.13
8.14
8.15

Components Data
Analysis Data
S-N and T-N Curves
Integration Parameters
Results
Automation
Fatigue Points
How Damage is Calculated

461
461
462
463
463
464
465
465

9 VIV ANALYSIS
9.1

Frequency Domain Models

9.1.1
9.1.2

9.2

469
469

SHEAR7
VIVA

469
476

Time Domain Models

479

9.2.1
9.2.2
9.2.3

Wake Oscillator Models

Vortex Tracking Models
VIV Drawing

482
485
490

10

w
1

Introduction, Installing OrcaFlex

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to OrcaFlex (version 9.8a), a marine dynamics program developed by Orcina for static and dynamic
analysis of a wide range of offshore systems, including all types of marine risers (rigid and flexible), global analysis,
moorings, installation and towed systems.
OrcaFlex provides fast and accurate analysis of catenary systems such as flexible risers and umbilical cables under
wave and current loads and externally imposed motions. OrcaFlex makes extensive use of graphics to assist
understanding. The program can be operated in batch mode for routine analysis work and there are also special
facilities for post-processing your results including fully integrated fatigue analysis capabilities.
OrcaFlex is a fully 3D non-linear time domain finite element program capable of dealing with arbitrarily large
deflections of the flexible from the initial configuration. A lumped mass element is used which greatly simplifies the
mathematical formulation and allows quick and efficient development of the program to include additional force
terms and constraints on the system in response to new engineering requirements.
In addition to the time domain features, modal analysis can be performed for either the whole system or for
individual lines. RAOs can be calculated for any results variable using the Spectral Response Analysis feature.
OrcaFlex is also used for applications in the Defence, Oceanography and Renewable energy sectors. OrcaFlex can
handle multi-line systems, floating lines, line dynamics after release, etc. Inputs include ship motions, regular and
random waves. Results output includes animated replay plus full graphical and numerical presentation.
If you are new to OrcaFlex then please see the tutorial and examples.
For further details of OrcaFlex and our other software, please contact Orcina or your Orcina agent.
Copyright notice

Copyright Orcina Ltd. 1987-2014. All rights reserved.

1.1 INSTALLING ORCAFLEX

Hardware Requirements
OrcaFlex can be installed and run on any computer that has:
Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8. Both 32 bit and 64 bit versions of Windows are supported.
If you are using small fonts (96dpi) the screen resolution must be at least 1024768. If you are using large fonts
(120dpi) the screen resolution must be at least 12801024.
However, OrcaFlex is a powerful package and to get the best results we would recommend:
A 64 bit edition of Windows 7 or later.
A powerful processor with fast floating point and memory performance. This is the most important factor since
OrcaFlex is a computation-intensive program and simulation run times can be long for complex models.
At least 4GB of memory. This is less important than processor performance but some aspects of OrcaFlex do
perform better when more memory is available, especially on multi-core systems. If you have a multi-core
system with a 64 bit version of Windows then you may benefit from fitting even more memory.
A multi-core system to take advantage of OrcaFlex's multi-threading capabilities.
As much disk space as you require to store simulation files. Simulation files vary in size, but can be hundreds of
megabytes each for complex models.
A screen resolution of 12801024 or greater with 32 bit colour.
A DirectX 9 compatible graphics card with at least 256MB memory for the most effective use of the shaded
graphics facility.
Microsoft Excel (Excel 2010, or later) in order to use the OrcaFlex automation facilities. Both 32 bit and 64 bit
versions of Excel are supported although we strongly recommend the 64 bit version to avoid the severe
constraints on memory usage of the 32 bit version.
Installation
To install OrcaFlex:
You will need to install from an account with administrator privileges.
If installing from disc, insert the OrcaFlex installation disc and run the Autorun.exe program on the disc (on
many machines this program will run automatically when you insert the disc). Then click on 'Install OrcaFlex'.

11

Introduction, Installing OrcaFlex

If you have received OrcaFlex by e-mail or from the web you will have a zip file, and possibly a number of
licence files (.lic). Extract the files from the zip file to some temporary location, and save the licence files to the
same folder. Then run the extracted file Setup.exe.
You will also need to install the OrcaFlex dongle supplied by Orcina. See below for details.
For further details, including information on network and silent installation, click on Read Me on the Autorun menu
or open the file Installation Guide.pdf on the disc. If you have any difficulty installing OrcaFlex please contact Orcina
or your Orcina agent.
Orcina Shell Extension
When you install OrcaFlex the Orcina Shell Extension is also installed. This integrates with Windows Explorer, and
associates the data and simulation file types (.dat and .sim) with OrcaFlex. You can then open an OrcaFlex file by
simply double-clicking the filename in Explorer. The shell extension also provides file properties information, such
as which version of OrcaFlex wrote the file and the Comments text for the model in the file.
Dongles
OrcaFlex is supplied with a dongle, a small hardware device that must be attached to the machine or to the network
to which the machine is attached.
Note:
The dongle is effectively your licence to run one copy (or more, if the dongle is enabled for more
copies) of OrcaFlex. It is, in essence, what you have purchased or leased, and it should be treated
with appropriate care and security. If you lose your dongle you cannot run OrcaFlex.
Warning:

Orcina can normally resupply disks or manuals (a charge being made to cover costs) if they are lost
or damaged. But we can only supply a new dongle in the case where the old dongle is returned to
us.

Dongles labelled 'Hxxx' (where xxx is the dongle number) must be plugged into the machine on which OrcaFlex is
run. Dongles labelled 'Nxxx' can be used in the same way as 'Hxxx' dongles, but they can also be used over a
network, allowing the program to be shared by multiple users. In the latter case the dongle should be installed by
your network administrator; instructions can be found in the Dongle directory on the OrcaFlex installation disc. By
default, 'N' dongles can hold up to 10 OrcaFlex licences for use over a network; we can supply dongles with larger
capacities on request. Dongles are usually supplied as USB devices, but parallel port dongles are still available if
required.
The dongle requires a device driver to be installed on any machine to which it is attached. Windows will often do
this installation automatically for you when you plug in the dongle; alternatively, you can choose to install the device
driver when you install OrcaFlex.
Dongle Troubleshooting
We supply, with OrcaFlex, a dongle utility program called OrcaDongle. If OrcaFlex cannot find the dongle then this
program may be used to check that the dongle is working correctly and has the expected number of licences. For
details see the OrcaDongle help file.
The OrcaDongle program is included on the OrcaFlex installation disc, and you may choose to install it from the
Autorun menu in the same way as OrcaFlex. It is also available for download from
www.orcina.com/Support/Dongle.
Users of network dongles may find the Orcina Licence Monitor to be useful. This application monitors the OrcaFlex
licences claimed on a network at any time and reports which machines and users are claiming licences for the
various Orcina programs.
Diagnostics

If OrcaFlex fails to start, with the error that it can't obtain a licence, then please check the following.
If you are using a network dongle, are all the licences in use? The Orcina Licence Monitor may be of use in
determining this. If they are, you will need to wait until a licence becomes free before you can run OrcaFlex.
If you are using a local dongle, is it plugged into your machine? If so, is the dongle device driver installed? You
can check this by running OrcaDongle. If the driver is not present, you can follow the link on our website to
download the latest driver software from the dongle manufacturer.
Does the dongle you are using have an OrcaFlex licence on it? Again, you can check this with OrcaDongle.
Do you have a licence file for the dongle you wish to access? This file will be named Nxxx.lic or Hxxx.lic (where
xxx is the dongle number) and will be in the OrcaFlex installation folder. If not, then you should be able to copy
the required file(s) from the root level of the OrcaFlex installation disc into the installation folder.

12

Introduction, Running OrcaFlex

If none of these help, then please contact us at Orcina with a description of the problem. Ideally, please also email to
us the diagnostics file named OrcLog.txt which OrcaFlex will have written on failing to find a licence. This file can be
found in the folder "%appdata%\Orcina\OrcaFlex". To open this folder, select Start menu | Run (or Windows key
and 'R') and enter the text between the quotes (including the % characters).

1.2 RUNNING ORCAFLEX

A shortcut to run OrcaFlex is set up on the Start menu when you install OrcaFlex (see Start\Programs\Orcina
Software\ or the All Apps screen, "Orcina Software" group, depending on your version of Windows).
This shortcut passes no parameters to OrcaFlex so it gives the default start-up behaviour; see below. If this is not
suitable you can configure the start-up behaviour using command-line parameters, for example by setting up your
own shortcuts with particular parameter settings.
Default Start-up
OrcaFlex has two basic modules: full OrcaFlex and statics-only OrcaFlex. A full OrcaFlex licence is needed for
dynamic analysis.
When you run OrcaFlex it looks for an Orcina dongle from which it can claim an OrcaFlex licence (either a full
licence or a statics-only licence). By default, it first looks for a licence on a local dongle (i.e. one in local mode and
connected to the local machine) and if none is found then it looks for a licence on a network dongle (i.e. one in
network mode and accessed via a licence manager over the network). This default behaviour can be changed by
command-line parameters.
If OrcaFlex finds a network dongle and there is a choice of which licences to claim from it, then OrcaFlex displays a
Choose Modules dialog to ask you which modules you want to claim. This helps you share the licences with other
users of that network dongle. For example if the network dongle contains both a full licence and a statics-only
licence then you can choose to use the statics-only licence, if that is all you need, so that the full licence is left free for
others to use when you do not need it yourself. The Choose Modules dialog can be suppressed using command-line
parameters.
Command Line Parameters
OrcaFlex can accept various parameters on the command line to modify the way it starts up. The syntax is:
OrcaFlex.exe Filename Option1 Option2 etc.
Filename is optional. If present it should be the name of an OrcaFlex data file (.dat or .yml) or simulation file (.sim).
After starting up OrcaFlex will automatically open that file.
Option1, Option2 etc. are optional parameters that allow you configure the start-up behaviour. They can be any of
the following switches. For the first character of an option switch, the hyphen character '-' can be used as an
alternative to the '/' character.
Dongle Search switches

By default the program searches first for a licence on a local dongle and then for a licence on a network dongle. The
following switches allow you to modify this default behaviour.
/LocalDongle Only search for licences on a local dongle. No search will be made for network dongles.
/NetworkDongle Only search for licences on a network dongle. Any local dongle will be ignored. This can be
useful if you have a local dongle but want to use a network dongle that has licences for more modules.
Module Choice switch

This switch is only relevant if the dongle found is a network dongle and there is a choice of licences to claim from
that dongle. You can specify your choice using the following command line switch:
/DisableDynamics Choose the statics-only basic licence. This is sometimes useful when using a network dongle
since it allows you to leave full licences free for other users when you only need a statics-only licence.
If you do not specify all the choices then the program displays the Choose Modules dialog to ask for your remaining
choices. You can suppress this dialog using the following switch.
/DisableInteractiveStartup Do not display the Choose Modules dialog. The program behaves the same as if the
user clicks OK on that dialog without changing any module choices.
Batch Calculation switches

These switches allow you to instruct OrcaFlex to start a batch calculation as soon as the program has loaded. The
following switches are available:

13

Introduction, Parallel Processing

/Batch Start a batch calculation as soon as the program has loaded. The batch calculation will contain all the
files specified on the command line (you can have more than one) in the order in which they are specified. You
can use relative paths which will be relative to the working directory.
/CloseAfterBatch Instructs the program to close once the batch is complete.
/BatchAnalysisStatics, /BatchAnalysisDynamics specify what type of analysis to perform to the specified
files. If these parameters are missing then the program defaults to dynamic analysis.
/FileList instructs the program that any text files specified on the command line contain a list of files to include
in the batch calculation. The command line can contain more than one file list. Text files within the file list will
be treated as batch script files.
Note that the batch calculation switches are provided for backwards compatibility. We recommend that automation
of analysis be carried out using Distributed OrcaFlex or one of the programming interfaces.
Process Priority switches

These switches determine the processing priority of OrcaFlex. The available switches are /RealtimePriority,
/HighPriority, /AboveNormalPriority, /NormalPriority, /BelowNormalPriority, /LowPriority.
ThickLines switch

The /ThickLines switch allows you to specify a minimum thickness for lines drawn on OrcaFlex 3D View windows.
For example using the switch /ThickLines=5 forces OrcaFlex to draw all lines at a thickness of at least 5. If no value
is specified (i.e. the switch is /ThickLines) then the minimum thickness is taken to be 2.
This switch has been added to make OrcaFlex 3D Views clearer when projected onto a large screen.
ThreadCount switch

The /ThreadCount switch allows you to set the number of execution threads used by OrcaFlex for parallel
processing. For example /ThreadCount=1 forces OrcaFlex to use a single execution thread which has the effect of
disabling parallel processing.
32 and 64 bit OrcaFlex
The installation package copies both 32 and 64 bit versions of the executables, even on a 32 bit system. On a 32 bit
system, the shortcuts and file associations are configured to execute the 32 bit version. On a 64 bit system, the
shortcuts and file associations are configured to execute the 64 bit version. If you wish to create a shortcut to the 32
bit version on a 64 bit system, you will need to set it up yourself the installation program does not do so.
Conversely, the 64 bit executable will not run on a 32 bit system. The 32 bit executable is named OrcaFlex.exe and
the 64 bit executable is named OrcaFlex64.exe.
The 64 bit version runs slightly quicker than the 32 bit version. However, the main benefit of 64 bits is that this
version can access more memory than the 32 bit version. This is especially significant for machines with a very large
number of processors.
All OrcaFlex automation capabilities are fully supported for both 32 and 64 bit. The OrcaFlex DLL, OrcFxAPI, is
available in both 32 and 64 bit versions. The different versions of the DLL are both named OrcFxAPI.dll. The
installation program installs binary files (.dll, .lib) to <InstallationDir>\OrcFxAPI\Win32 and
<InstallationDir>\OrcFxAPI\Win64 respectively. Versions of OrcaFlex prior to 9.6 also installed
OrcFxAPI.dll to the Windows system directory; this is no longer the case. Please refer to the OrcFxAPI help file for
details of how to link to OrcFxAPI.dll.

1.3 PARALLEL PROCESSING

Machines with multiple processors or processors with multiple cores are becoming increasingly common. OrcaFlex
can make good use of the additional processing capacity afforded by such machines. For up to date information on
hardware choice for OrcaFlex please refer to www.orcina.com/Support/Benchmark.
OrcaFlex performs the calculations of the model's Line objects in parallel. This means that, interactively at least,
performance is only improved for models with more than one Line object. However, for models with more than one
Line performance is significantly improved.
Batch processing, fatigue analysis and OrcaFlex spreadsheet post-processing tasks process jobs and load cases
concurrently, using all available processing resources.
Thread count

OrcaFlex manages a number of execution threads to perform the parallel calculations. The number of these threads
(the thread count) defaults to the number of logical processors available on your machine, as reported by the
operating system. This default will work well for most cases. Should you wish to change it you can use the Tools | Set
Thread Count menu item. The thread count can also be controlled by a command line switch.

14

Introduction, Distributed OrcaFlex

1.4 DISTRIBUTED ORCAFLEX

Distributed OrcaFlex is a suite of programs that enables a collection of networked, OrcaFlex licensed computers to
run OrcaFlex jobs, transparently, using spare processor time. For more information about Distributed OrcaFlex
please refer to www.orcina.com/Support/DistributedOrcaFlex. Distributed OrcaFlex can be downloaded from this
address.
OrcaFlex can also make use of machines with multiple processors using parallel processing technology.

1.5 ORCINA LICENCE MONITOR

The Orcina Licence Monitor (OLM) is a service that monitors the current number of OrcaFlex licences claimed on a
network in real time. Other programs that use the OrcaFlex programming interface (OrcFxAPI) such as Distributed
OrcaFlex and the OrcaFlex spreadsheet are also monitored. You can obtain information on each licence claimed that
includes:
Network information: the computer name, network address and the user name.
Licence information: the dongle name, the dongle type (network or local) and the time the licence was claimed.
Program information: which modules are being used, the version, and the location of the program which has
claimed the licence. Usually this is the OrcaFlex executable, but it can also be, for example, Excel when the
licence is claimed by the OrcaFlex spreadsheet.
OLM can be downloaded from www.orcina.com/Support/OrcinaLicenceMonitor.

1.6 DEMONSTRATION VERSION

For an overview of OrcaFlex, see the Introduction topic and the tutorial.
The demonstration version of OrcaFlex has some facilities disabled you cannot calculate statics or run simulation,
and you cannot save files, print, export or copy to the clipboard. Otherwise the demonstration version is just like the
full version, so it allows you to see exactly how the program works.
In particular the demonstration version allows you to open any prepared OrcaFlex data or simulation file. If you
open a simulation file then you can then examine the results, see replays of the motion etc. There are numerous
example files provided on the demonstration disc. These example files are also available from
www.orcina.com/SoftwareProducts/OrcaFlex/Examples.
If you have the full version of OrcaFlex then you can use the demonstration version to show your customers your
OrcaFlex models and results for their system. To do this, give them the demonstration version and copies of your
OrcaFlex
simulation
files.
The
demonstration
version
can
be
downloaded
from
www.orcina.com/SoftwareProducts/OrcaFlex/Demo.

1.7 ORCAFLEX EXAMPLES

OrcaFlex is supplied with an examples disc containing a comprehensive collection of example files. These examples
can also be found at www.orcina.com/SoftwareProducts/OrcaFlex/Examples.

1.8 VALIDATION AND QA

The OrcaFlex validation documents are available from www.orcina.com/SoftwareProducts/OrcaFlex/Validation.

1.9 ORCINA
Orcina is a creative engineering software and consultancy company staffed by mechanical engineers, naval
architects, mathematicians and software engineers with long experience in such demanding environments as the
offshore, marine and nuclear industries. As well as developing engineering software, we offer a wide range of
analysis and design services with particular strength in dynamics, hydrodynamics, fluid mechanics and
mathematical modelling.
Contact Details
Orcina Ltd.
Daltongate
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 7AJ
UK

15

Introduction, References and Links

Telephone: +44 (0) 1229 584742
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.orcina.com
Orcina Agents

We have agents in many parts of the world. For details please refer to www.orcina.com/ContactOrcina.

1.10 REFERENCES AND LINKS

References
API, 1993. API RP 2A-WSD, Recommended Practice for Planning, Designing and Constructing Fixed Offshore
Platforms Working Stress Design. American Petroleum Institute.
API, 2000. API RP 2A-WSD, Recommended Practice for Planning, Designing and Constructing Fixed Offshore
Platforms Working Stress Design. American Petroleum Institute.
API, 1998. API RP 2RD, Design of Risers for Floating Production Systems and Tension-Leg Platforms. American
Petroleum Institute.
API, 2005. API RP 2SK, Design and Analysis of Stationkeeping Systems for Floating Structures. American Petroleum
Institute.
API, 2009. API RP 1111, Design, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Offshore Hydrocarbon Pipelines (Limit
State Design). American Petroleum Institute.
API. Comparison of Analyses of Marine Drilling Risers. API Bulletin. 2J.
Aranha J A P, 1994. A formula for wave drift damping in the drift of a floating body. J. Fluid Mech. 275, 147-155.
Aubeny C, Biscontin G and Zhang J, 2006. Seafloor interaction with steel catenary risers. Offshore Technology
Research Center (Texas A&M University) Final Project Report (http://www.mms.gov/tarprojects/510.htm).
Aubeny C, Gaudin C and Randolph M, 2008. Cyclic Tests of Model Pipe in Kaolin. OTC 19494, 2008.
Barltrop N D P and Adams A J, 1991. Dynamics of fixed marine structures. Butterworth Heinemann for MTD. 3rd
Edition.
Bellanger M, 1989. Digital Processing of Signals. Wiley.
Blevins R D, 2005. Forces on and Stability of a Cylinder in a Wake. J. OMAE, 127, 39-45.
Bridge C, Laver K, Clukey E, Evans T, 2004. Steel Catenary Riser Touchdown Point Vertical Interaction Models. OTC
16628, 2004.
BSI, 2004. PD 8010, Code of practice for pipelines, Part 2: Subsea pipelines. British Standards.
Bureau Veritas, 2002. NR 493 R02 E, Classification of Mooring Systems for Permanent Offshore Units.
Carter D J T, 1982. Prediction of Wave height and Period for a Constant Wind Velocity Using the JONSWAP Results,
Ocean Engineering, 9, no. 1, 17-33.
Casarella M J and Parsons M, 1970. Cable Systems Under Hydrodynamic Loading. Marine Technology Society Journal
4, No. 4, 27-44.
Chapman D A, 1984. Towed Cable Behaviour During Ship Turning Manoeuvres. Ocean Engineering. 11, No. 4.
Chung J and Hulbert G M, 1993. A time integration algorithm for structural dynamics with improved numerical
dissipation: The generalized- method. ASME Journal of Applied Mechanics. 60, 371-375.
CMPT, 1998. Floating structures: A guide for design and analysis. Edited by Barltrop N D P. Centre for Marine and
Petroleum Technology publication 101/98, Oilfield Publications Limited.
Coles S, 2001. An Introduction to Statistical Modelling of Extreme Values. Springer.
Cummins W E, 1962. The impulse response function and ship motions. Schiffstechnik, 9, 101-109.
Dean R G, 1965. Stream function representation of non-linear ocean waves. J. Geophys. Res., 70, 4561-4572.
Dirlik T, 1985. Application of computers in Fatigue Analysis. PhD Thesis University of Warwick.
DNV-OS-E301, Position Mooring, October 2010.
DNV-OS-F101, Submarine Pipeline Systems, August 2012.
DNV-OS-F201, Dynamic Risers, October 2010.
DNV-RP-C205, Environmental Conditions and Environmental Loads, October 2010.
DNV-RP-H103, Modelling and Analysis of Marine Operations, April 2011.
ESDU 71016. Fluid forces, pressures and moments on rectangular blocks. ESDU 71016 ESDU International, London.

16

Introduction, References and Links

ESDU 80025. Mean forces, pressures and flow field velocities for circular cylindrical structures: Single cylinder with
two-dimensional flow. ESDU 80025 ESDU International, London.
Falco M, Fossati F and Resta F, 1999. On the vortex induced vibration of submarine cables: Design optimization of
wrapped cables for controlling vibrations. 3rd International Symposium on Cable Dynamics, Trondheim, Norway.
Faltinsen O M, 1990. Sea loads on ships and offshore structures. Cambridge University Press.
Fenton J D, 1979. A high-order cnoidal wave theory. J. Fluid Mech. 94, 129-161.
Fenton J D, 1985. A fifth-order Stokes theory for steady waves. J. Waterway, Port, Coastal & Ocean Eng. ASCE. 111,
216-234.
Fenton J D, 1990. Non-linear wave theories. Chapter in "The Sea Volume 9: Ocean Engineering Science", edited by
B. Le MeHaute and D. M. Hanes. Wiley: New York. 3-25.
Fenton J D, 1995. Personal communication pre-print of chapter in forthcoming book on cnoidal wave theory.
Gregory R W and Paidoussis M P, 1996. Unstable oscillation of tubular cantilevers conveying fluid: Part 1:Theory.
Proc. R. Soc. 293 Series A, 512-527.
Hartnup G C, Airey R G and Fraser J M, 1987. Model Basin Testing of Flexible Marine Risers. OMAE Houston.
Hoerner S F 1965. Fluid Dynamic Drag, Published by the author at Hoerner Fluid Dynamics, NJ 08723, USA.
Huse E, 1993. Interaction in Deep-Sea Riser Arrays. OTC 7237, 1993.
Isherwood R M, 1987. A Revised Parameterisation of the JONSWAP Spectrum. Applied Ocean Research, 9, No. 1
(January), 47-50.
Iwan W D, 1981. The vortex-induced oscillation of non-uniform structural systems. Journal of Sound and Vibration,
79, 291-301.
Iwan W D and Blevins R D, 1974. A Model for Vortex Induced Oscillation of Structures. Journal of Applied Mechanics,
September 1974, 581-586.
Kotik J and Mangulis V, 1962. On the Kramers-Kronig relations for ship motions. Int. Shipbuilding Progress, 9, No. 97,
361-368.
Lamb H, 1932. Hydrodynamics. 6th Edition.Cambridge University Press.
Larsen C M, 1991. Flexible Riser Analysis Comparison of Results from Computer Programs. Marine Structures,
Elsevier Applied Science.
Longuet-Higgins M S, 1983. On the joint distribution of wave periods and amplitudes in a random wave field.
Proceedings Royal Society London, Series A, Mathematical and Physical Sciences.389, 241-258.
Maddox S J, 1998. Fatigue strength of welded structures. Woodhead Publishing Ltd, ISBN 1 85573 013 8.
Malenica S et al, 1995. Wave and current forces on a vertical cylinder free to surge and sway. Applied Ocean
Research, 17, 79-90.
Molin B, 1994. Second-order hydrodynamics applied to moored structures. A state-of-the-art survey. Ship
Technology Research. 41, 59-84.
Morison J R, O'Brien M D, Johnson J W, and Schaaf S A, 1950. The force exerted by surface waves on piles. Petrol
Trans AIME. 189.
Mueller H F, 1968. Hydrodynamic forces and moments of streamlined bodies of revolution at large incidence.
Schiffstechnik. 15, 99-104.
Newman J N. 1974. Second-order, slowly-varying forces on vessels in irregular waves. Proc Int Symp Dynamics of
Marine Vehicles and Structures in Waves, Ed. Bishop RED and Price WG, Mech Eng Publications Ltd, London.
Newman J N, 1977. Marine Hydrodynamics, MIT Press.
NDP, 1995. Regulations relating to loadbearing structures in the petroleum activities. Norwegian Petroleum
Directorate.
Ochi M K and Hubble E N, 1976. Six-parameter wave spectra, Proc 15th Coastal Engineering Conference, 301-328.
Ochi M K, 1973. On Prediction of Extreme Values, J. Ship Research, 17, No. 1, 29-37.
Ochi M K, 1998. Ocean Waves: The Stochastic Approach, Cambridge University Press.
Oil Companies International Marine Forum, 1994. Prediction of Wind and Current Loads on VLCCs, 2 nd edition,
Witherby & Co., London.
Paidoussis M P, 1970. Dynamics of tubular cantilevers conveying fluid. J. Mechanical Engineering Science, 12, No 2,
85-103.
Paidoussis M P and Deksnis E B, 1970. Articulated models of cantilevers conveying fluid: The study of a paradox. J.
Mechanical Engineering Science, 12, No 4, 288-300.

17

Introduction, References and Links

Paidoussis M P and Lathier B E, 1976. Dynamics of Timoshenko beams conveying fluid. J. Mechanical Engineering
Science, 18, No 4, 210-220.
Palmer A C and Baldry J A S, 1974. Lateral buckling of axially constrained pipes. J. Petroleum Technology, Nov 1974,
1283-1284.
Pode L, 1951. Tables for Computing the Equilibrium Configuration of a Flexible Cable in a Uniform Stream. DTMB
Report. 687.
Principles of Naval Architecture. Revised edition, edited by J P Comstock, 1967. Society of Naval Architects and
Marine Engineers, New York.
Puech A, 1984. The Use of Anchors in Offshore Petroleum Operations. Editions Technip.
Randolph M and Quiggin P, 2009. Non-linear hysteretic seabed model for catenary pipeline contact. OMAE paper
79259, 2009 (www.orcina