Search Results (6)

The nonlinear dynamics of the cable–buoy structure in marine engineering present significant analytical challenges due to the complex motion of the buoy, which impacts the system’s dynamic response. The drag force acting on the structure can be categorized into the absolute velocity and relative velocity models, distinguished by their reference frames. The absolute velocity model incorporates flow velocity coupling terms, offering higher accuracy but at the expense of increased computational complexity. In contrast, the relative velocity model is computationally simpler and therefore more widely adopted. Nevertheless, the accuracy and applicability of these simplified models remain open to further in-depth investigation. To address these challenges, this study derives coupled differential equations for the cable–buoy structure based on the two drag force models. Galerkin discretization is then employed to construct coupled systems that account for nonlinear buoy motion, as well as decoupled systems assuming linear buoy motion. The modulation equations for the system’s primary resonance response are derived using the method of multiple scales. Numerical results indicate that changes in cable parameters lead to complex modal coupling behaviors in the system. The flow velocity coupling terms in the absolute velocity drag force model enhance the system’s damping effect, and the relative velocity drag force model, which omits these coupling terms, results in increased system response amplitudes. Although neglecting nonlinear buoy motion has little impact on the cable’s dynamic response, it significantly reduces the amplitude of the buoy’s dynamic motion. The relative velocity drag force model and the decoupled system can serve as effective simplifications for analyzing the dynamic responses of cable–buoy systems, providing a balance between computational efficiency and result accuracy. Variations in system parameters cause both qualitative and quantitative changes in the system’s nonlinear stiffness characteristics. Full article

The suspended configuration of inter-array power cables between floating offshore wind turbines necessitates using various ancillary equipment, such as buoy elements and bend stiffeners, to maintain the desired cable geometry. The failure analysis is an important step in the design of an inter-array dynamic power cable layout. This study investigates the impact of buoy element failures on the structural integrity and fatigue life of inter-array power cable configurations in offshore environments, focusing on four environmental conditions representative of the North Sea. Utilizing numerical simulations and fatigue analysis in OrcaFlex, static and dynamic analyses are conducted to assess maximum tension, minimum bend radius (MBR), and fatigue life under single and two failure scenarios of buoy elements. The results indicate that single buoy failures significantly increase maximum tension at hang-off points. At the same time, MBR is found to be the smallest at the failure position, aiding in failure point identification. In addition, for the two buoy element failure scenarios, the maximum tension increase poses risks to structural integrity, while MBR and fatigue life have high sensitivity to the applied environmental conditions. Full article

The wave resistance of a buoy is affected by the mode of anchorage and the buoy structure. Combining the structures and the mode of anchorage of the existing buoys, designing a buoy with significantly improved wave resistance is a major challenge for marine environment monitoring. This work carried out experimental and numerical simulation studies on the hydrodynamic properties of a self-designed symmetrical three-cylinder buoy. The wave resistance of the buoy was analyzed using different wave conditions, and a full-scale simulation of the buoy was performed using the finite element method and lumped mass method. Experimentally, it was found that the symmetrical three-cylinder buoy stability was less affected by the wave height, but mainly by the wave period. Additionally, the effects of wave height and wave period on mooring tension were also studied, and the results showed that mooring tension was mainly affected by wave period, which was explained by the rate of change of the buoy momentum. Finally, a numerical model was proposed for the interpretation of these experiments. Results from numerical simulations for the trajectory of the buoy and the tension of the mooring cable correlated well with the experimental data. Full article

The application of marine bonded hoses has increased in recent times, due to the need for more flexible conduits and flexible applications in the offshore industry. These marine structures include Catenary Anchor Leg Moorings (CALM) buoys and ocean monitoring buoys. Their attachments include floating hoses, submarine hoses and submarine cables. However, the structural performance challenges of a CALM buoy system from its hydrodynamics water waves and other global loadings, have led to the need for this investigation. In this study, a detailed presentation on the motion characterisation of the CALM buoy hose system is presented. The CALM buoy is a structure with six degrees of freedom (6DoF). A well-detailed experimental presentation on the CALM buoy hose model conducted in Lancaster University Wave Tank is presented using three novel techniques, which are: a digital image captured using Imetrum systems, using an Akaso 4K underwater camera, using wave gauges arranged in a unique pattern and using underwater Bluetooth sensors. The buoy model was also found to respond uniquely for each motion investigated under water waves. The results showed that the higher the profile, the higher the response of the buoy. Thus, this study confirms the existence of flow patterns of the CALM buoy while floating on the water body. Full article

This paper presents the design and analysis of a mooring buoy and its mooring systems to moor a floating platform mounting an arrayed Wave Energy Converters (WECs). The mooring buoy allows the WEC platform to weathervane around the mooring buoy freely by the prevailing environment directions, which enables consistent power generation. The WEC platform is connected to the buoy with synthetic hawsers, while station-keeping of the buoy is maintained with catenary mooring lines of chains tied to the buoy keel. The buoy also accommodates a power cable to transfer the electricity from the WEC platform to the shore. The WEC platform is designed to produce a total of 1.0 MW with multiple WECs installed in an array. Fully coupled time-domain analyses are conducted under the site sea states, including extreme 50 y and survival 100 y conditions. The buoy motions, mooring tensions and other design parameters are evaluated. Strength and fatigue designs of the mooring systems are validated with requirements according to industry standards. Global and local structural designs of the mooring buoy are carried out and confirm the design compliances. Full article

In this paper, a procedure is proposed to determine the fatigue life of the electrical cable connected to a 5 MW floating offshore wind turbine, supported by a spar-buoy at a water depth of 320 m, by using a numerical approach that takes into account site-specific wave and wind characteristics. The effect of the intensity and the simultaneous actions of waves and wind are investigated and the outcomes for specific cable configurations are shown. Finally, the fatigue life of the cable is evaluated. All analyses have been carried out using the Ansys AQWA computational code, which is a commercial code for the numerical investigation of the dynamic response of floating and fixed marine structures under the combined action of wind, waves and current. Furthermore, this paper applies the FAST NREL numerical code for comparison with the ANSYS AQWA results. Full article