A weak-scatterer potential flow theory-based model for the hydroelastic analysis of offshore wind turbine substructures

This paper examines the hydroelastic response of a monopile structure, supporting an offshore wind turbine. A new numerical simulation tool is presented, coupling nonlinear potential flow solver to structural model based on modal superposition. The hydrodynamic Weak-Scatterer (WS) approach and assumes small perturbations incident flow. finite element method (FEM) used compute parameters, which are then superposed dynamics system in time domain. Small deformations assumed coupling. two theories tightly coupled theory fully described paper. WS_CN-FEM applied case large diameter monopile. Results compared simulations using Morison equation loads beam FEM structure experimental measurements made monopile-based turbine model. physical has Froude-scaled geometry natural frequencies, allows accurate validation models including realistic flexible modes wave–structure interaction. results show good agreement with measurements, particular first second mudline bending moments’ harmonics series regular waves various wave steepness.