An accelerated corrosion-fatigue testing methodology for offshore wind applications

Offshore wind turbines are subjected to cyclic loading conditions during their operational lifespan which is typically between 20 and 25 years. An important issue in fatigue design integrity assessment of offshore turbine foundations the examination long-term corrosion-fatigue behaviour steel structures high cycle region. High tests, particularly at low frequencies a seawater environment, time-consuming costly. Therefore, there an essential need perform accelerated tests predict under realistic conditions. In this work, existing acceleration mechanisms have been reviewed novel methodology has proposed for testing analysis data different environments (i.e. air, salt-spray seawater) higher temperatures. Two distinct equations developed calibration prediction S-N life crack growth steels environments. The validated through comparison with literature predictions made temperatures using temperature data. approach relatively simple calibrate material interest enables accelerating examined materials by factor two three, respectively. obtained results discussed terms monopiles, especially those close end initial comprehensive engineering extension or decommissioning.