An investigation into the prediction method for internal solitary waves (ISWs) loads on the columns and caissons of the semi-submersible platform found on three kinds of internal solitary wave theories and the modified Morison Equation is described. The characteristics of loads exerted on the semi-submersible platform model caused by the ISWs have been observed experimentally, and the inertial and drag coefficients in Morison Equation are determined by analyzing the forces of experiments. From the results, it is of interest to find that Reynolds number, KC number and layer thickness ratio have a considerable influence on the coefficients. The direction of incoming waves, however, is almost devoid of effects on the coefficients. The drag coefficient of columns varies as an exponential function of Reynolds number, and inertia coefficient of columns is a power function related to KC number. Meanwhile, the drag coefficient of caissons is approximately constant in terms of regression analysis of experimental data. The results from different experimental conditions reveal that the inertia coefficient of caissons appears to be exponential correlated with upper layer depths.
