Aqwa can simulate linearized hydrodynamic fluid wave loading on floating or fixed rigid bodies. This is accomplished by employing three-dimensional radiation/diffraction theory and/or Morison’s equation in regular waves in the frequency domain. Unidirectional or multiple directional second order drift forces are evaluated by the far-field, or near field solution, or full quadratic transfer function (QTF) matrix. Free-floating hydrostatic and hydrodynamic analyses in the frequency domain can also be performed.

Aqwa can estimate the equilibrium characteristics and static and dynamic stability of coupled (by moorings and/or connectors) bodies under steady state environmental loads (e.g. wind, wave drift and current).

Aqwa can perform frequency domain statistical analysis of the coupled or uncoupled responses of floating bodies while operating in irregular waves. The linearized drag due to Morison elements (tube, disc), wind and dynamic cables can also be simulated in Aqwa.

The real-time motion of a floating body or bodies while operating in regular or irregular waves can be simulated, in which nonlinear Froude-Krylov and hydrostatic forces are estimated under instantaneous incident wave surface. Additionally, the real-time motion of a floating body or bodies while operating in multi-directional or unidirectional irregular waves can be simulated under first- and second-order wave excitations. Wind and current loading can also be applied to the bodies, as well as external forces at each time step imported or defined by a user-written dynamic-link library. If more than one body is being studied, coupling effects between bodies can be simulated. The convolution approach is used to account for the memory effect of the radiation force.

Wave loads on fixed or floating structures calculated during radiation/diffraction simulation in Aqwa can be mapped to a finite element structural analysis package. Specific details of this procedure are not included in this document.