Dynamic response of seabed in wind power of deep-shallow sea induced by internal solitary waves

Abstract

With the development of offshore wind power projects worldwide, the stability of deep and shallow sea wind power sites has become a crucial concern. Internal solitary waves (ISWs) are nonlinear and large amplitude waves in the stratified ocean. Their strong vertical and horizontal motion and vorticity and turbulence caused by fragmentation have an important impact on the marine environment, seabed sediments, and marine engineering. This study focuses on the interaction between ISWs and the seabed of wind power sites in deep and shallow seas. Specifically, we investigate the interaction between ISWs and monopile foundations or floating fan plate anchor structures in the seabed. Through the simulation of CFD software and Comsol software, a law of seabed pore pressure variation during the effect of ISWs on the structure can be well demonstrated. Our results demonstrate that ISWs induce the accumulation of excess pore water pressure around the structures. The monopile foundation experiences negative excess pore water pressure at its bottom and the plate anchor at its top. The pore water pressure at the bottom of the monopile foundation initially decreases and then increases. In contrast, the pore water pressure at the right side of the monopile foundation increases, decreases, and then increases. This phenomenon promotes the settlement of the structure. At the bottom of the plate anchor, there is a sharp increase in positive excess pore water pressure by ISW. The pore water pressure above the plate anchor structure initially decreases and then increases, while below the plate anchor, it increases and then decreases. This phenomenon leads to the movement of the anchorage structure and instability of the surrounding soil. The influence of ISWs on the seabed bottom intensifies with the obstruction of the structure, resulting in significant positive pressure at the bottom. Between the two anchoring structures, there is increased seepage of pore water, making the seabed more prone to instability. Through the study of this article, we know that ISW has different effects on the force of monopile foundation and plate anchor structure, which provides a favorable basis for its design and maintenance.