Optimising design parameters for offshore wind MP-TP wedge connection technology using analytical techniques

The offshore wind industry is a rapidly growing sector and will likely play significant role in the future of green energy. Monopile support structures are dominant foundation type turbines. Existing monopile to transition piece technologies have number challenges, new design, called wedge connection, presents promising solution. In present study analytical techniques, supported with finite element modelling, been used optimise connection design. A spring model was created solved for both application preload combination external force. lower bound on that would ensure does not become loose found. self-locking mechanism shown be required design feature. optimum connections one turbine has found as function width diameter. It laboratory experiments single segment conservative due higher stress concentration factor than full structure.