Design of an Innovative Hybrid Sandwich Protective Device for Offshore Structures

Lightweight foam sandwich structures have excellent energy absorption capacity, combined with good mechanical properties and low density. The main goal of this study is to test the application an innovative hybrid protective device in offshore wind turbine (OWT). results are useful for structure applications. Different lightweight materials (aluminum foam, agglomerated cork, polyurethane foam) were investigated using experimental tests numerical simulations. Closed-cell aluminum showed best performance terms capacity during impact. As such, a Metallic Foam Shell (MFS) was proposed fender turbines. A finite element model ship-OWT collision scenario developed analyze response MFS under repeated impacts. can be used efficiently wide temperature range, allowing it harsh climatic conditions.