Wave Loading Research Articles

Analysis of the Effect of Base Station Motion on Underwater Handovers for Base-Station-Based Underwater Wireless Acoustic Networks.

In base-station-based underwater wireless acoustic networks (B-UWANs), effective handover mechanisms are necessary to ensure seamless data services for mobile nodes such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Unlike terrestrial base stations (BSs), moored buoy BSs in B-UWANs experience motion responses due to wave loads under environmental conditions, posing unique challenges to the handover process. This study examines how BS motion affects handover decision errors, which arise when AUVs incorrectly initiate handovers to unintended BSs due to BS motion. By utilizing the AUV-BS distance as a handover triggering parameter, our analysis reveals a significant increase in decision errors within the overlapping regions when both the current and target BSs are in motion, especially when moving in the same direction. In addition, these errors intensify with the magnitude of BS motion and are exacerbated by smaller BS network radii. Based on these simulation results, we present an analytical framework that not only measures the influence of BS motion on the AUV-BS distance but also provides strategic insights for refining underwater handover protocols, thereby enhancing operational reliability and service continuity in B-UWANs.

Study on the microstructure and strength characteristics of marine soft soil under wet-dry cycle condition

For marine soft soil under the periodic wave loading, the pore water content in soil suffering dry-wet cycle for a long time, which affects its microstructure and macroscopic mechanical strength, resulting in insufficient bearing capacity and excessive deformation of soft soil. To reveal the microstructural characteristics and strength attenuation law of marine soft soil under dry-wet cycle condition, electron microscopy scanning and direct shear tests under different times of dry-wet cycles were carried out, and the mathematical equations of pore structure and strength parameters were established based on fractal theory. The research results showed that: (1) The pore structure changed considerably after the first dry-wet cycle, and then changed gently with the increase of dry-wet cycle times, which was reflected by the fractal dimension D value decreases to a constant value gradually. (2) The shear strength of the soil diminishes with an increase in the number of dry-wet cycle times, and the maximum attenuation occurs after the first dry-wet cycle. (3) The relationship between cohesion (c), internal friction angle (φ), and fractal dimension (D) is exponential, with the curve shapes being concave and convex, respectively.

Wave–structure interaction by a two–way coupling between a fully nonlinear potential flow model and a Navier–Stokes solver

A two-way domain decomposition coupling procedure between a fully nonlinear potential flow model and a Navier–Stokes solver capturing the free surface with a Volume of Fluid method is used to study wave–structure interaction applied to offshore wind turbines. Away from the structure, the large-scale inviscid wave field is modeled by the potential code. Wave generation and absorption in this 3D hybrid model take place in the outer potential domain. The codes exchange data in the region around their common boundaries. Through the two-way coupling, waves propagate in and out of the viscous subdomain, making the hybrid algorithm suitable to study wave diffraction on marine structures, while keeping the viscous subdomain small. Each code uses its own mesh and time step. Subdomains are overlapping, therefore continuity conditions on velocity and free surface have to be verified on two distinct coupling surfaces at any time. Parallel implementation with communications between the models relying on the Message Passing Interface library allows calculations on large spatial and temporal scales. The coupling algorithm is first tested for regular nonlinear waves and then applied to simulate wave loads exerted on a vertical monopile in 3D. Attention is paid to the high-order components of the horizontal force.

On the Development of a Near-Shore Pivoting Wave Energy Converter

Numerous offshore wave energy converter (WEC) designs have been invented; however, none has achieved full commercialization so far. The primary obstacle impeding WEC commercialization is the elevated levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Consequently, there exists a pressing need to innovate and swiftly diminish the LCOE. A critical challenge faced by WECs is their susceptibility to extreme wave loads during storms. Promising concepts must demonstrate robust design features to ensure resilience in adverse conditions, while maintaining efficiency in harnessing power under normal sea states. It is anticipated that the initial commercial endeavors will concentrate on near-shore WEC technologies due to the cost advantages associated with proximity to the coastline, facilitating more affordable power transmission and maintenance. In response, this manuscript proposes a pioneering near-shore WEC concept designed with a survivability mode that is engineered to mitigate wave loads during severe sea conditions. Moreover, prior investigations have highlighted favorable resonance properties of this novel concept, enhancing wave power extraction during recurrent energetic sea states. This study employs numerical and physical modelling techniques to evaluate wave loads on the proposed WEC. The results indicate a remarkable 65% reduction in wave loads on the moving floater of the WEC during a range of sea states under the implemented survivability mode.

Damage Probability Evaluation of Pontoon-type Floating Offshore Wind Turbines Subjected to Both Random Wind and Wave Loads

Damage Probability Evaluation of Pontoon-type Floating Offshore Wind Turbines Subjected to Both Random Wind and Wave Loads

Resilience of coastal bridges under extreme wave-induced loads

Records of wave-induced damage on coastal bridges during natural hazards have been well documented over the past two decades. It is of utmost importance to decipher the loading mechanism and enhance the resilience of coastal bridges during extreme wave-inducing events. Quantification of vulnerability of these structures is an essential step in designing a resilient bridge system. Recently, considerable efforts have been made to study the force applied and the response of coastal bridge systems during extreme wave loading conditions. Although remarkable progress can be found in the quantification of load and response of coastal superstructures, very few studies assessed coastal bridge resiliency against extreme wave-induced loads. This paper adopts a simplified and practical technique to analyze and assess the resilience of coastal bridges exposed to extreme waves. Component-level and system-level fragility analyses form the basis of the resiliency analysis where the recovery functions are adopted based on the damage levels. It is shown that wave period has the highest contribution to the variation of bridge resiliency. Moreover, this study presents the uncertainty quantification in resiliency variation due to changes in wave load intensity. Results show that the bridge resiliency becomes more uncertain as the intensity of wave parameters increases. Finally, possible restoration strategies based on the desired resilience level and the attitude of decision-makers are also discussed.

Study on damage response characteristics of steel plate-aramid composite structure under a combination of shock wave and fragment

To look into the damage response of steel plate/aramid composite structure under the combined action of shock wave and debris, the finite element models of TNT, debris, and target plate are established. LS-DYNA is used to analyze the structural response process of the composite structure under the synergism of blast wave and debris. The reliability of the numerical model is verified by comparing the trial results with the analytic results. The structural response of the single and combined loading of blast wave and debris is analyzed, and the influence of the arrangement order and thickness ratio of the target plates on the protective effectiveness is further analyzed. The results indicate that the combined action of blast wave and debris causes greater damage than the single action of blast wave and debris. When the total thickness of the plate remains unchanged, as the thickness of the panel decreases, the mass loss of the plate decreases, the peak displacement of the back plate decreases, and the protective ability of the plate is enhanced. In addition, the protective ability of the Steel-Aramid-Steel plate structure is greater than that of the Steel-Steel-Aramid plate structure.

Numerical Simulation of Hydrodynamic Forces on a Submerged Floating Tunnel with Surface Roughness Subject to Wave Loading

Numerical Simulation of Hydrodynamic Forces on a Submerged Floating Tunnel with Surface Roughness Subject to Wave Loading

Study on physiological injuries of occupants under vertical impact loads

Under vertical impact loads, such as explosions, serious compressive deformation occurs in the pelvic bones and lumbar vertebrae of the human body leading to injuries or fatalities for occupants. This study focuses on the occupant-seat model in military vehicles, establishes a biomechanical model of the human spine, and establishes the relationship between vertical impact loads and human injuries. Subsequently, a C-shaped energy-absorbing cushioning structure is designed for application at the bottom support of the seat. Using a peak value of 50 g explosion-simulated triangular wave loading, the study compares the attenuation effects of different structural characteristics of cushioning energy-absorbing structures on impact loads. The results indicate that a 50 g peak vertical impact load can cause significant human injuries. The designed energy-absorbing cushioning structure can greatly reduce human response, but both excessively soft and rigid energy-absorbing cushioning structures fail to achieve effective impact attenuation.

Metaheuristic Airflow control for vibration mitigation of a hybrid oscillating water Column-Floating offshore wind turbine system

Unlike the fixed wind turbines, the structure of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWT) have the added motions of six degrees of freedom induced by the wind, wave and tidal loads. These motions lead to vibration and the degradation of the structure. This paper presents a novel approach to model and stabilize the FOWT by employing the Oscillating Water Columns (OWC) as active structural control system. The innovative concept involves designing a new floating barge-type platform with integrated OWCs on opposite sides of the platform to mitigate undesired oscillations of the system. These OWCs counteract the bending forces caused by wind on the tower and waves on the barge platform. To synchronize the opposing forces with the system’s tilting, a proposed Particle Swarm Optimization with Decreasing Inertia-based Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (PSODI-ANFIS) airflow control strategy is employed. Through manipulation of the barge platform’s pitch angle, the PSODI-ANFIS airflow control system adjusts the valves on either side, opening one and closing the other accordingly. Simulation results, compared with the standard FOWT as well as the Fuzzy-based airflow control system, demonstrate the effectiveness of the PSODI-ANFIS airflow control. It is shown to be superior in reducing platform pitching and the fore-aft translation of the top tower.

Numerical Investigation into the Stability of Offshore Wind Power Piles Subjected to Lateral Loads in Extreme Environments

Monopile foundations are extensively utilized in the rapidly expanding offshore wind power industry, and the stability of these foundations has become a crucial factor for ensuring the safety of offshore wind power projects. Such foundations are subjected to a myriad of complex environmental loads during their operational lifespan. Whilst current research predominantly concentrates on the effects of wind, wave, and current loads on monopile stability in extreme environments, it is imperative to consider the potential influence of unexpected submarine landslide loads. In this study, we provide a comprehensive overview of wind, wave, current, and submarine landslide loads on monopile foundations in extreme environments. Subsequently, we establish a finite element model for analyzing the stability of monopiles under complex lateral loads, and validate the accuracy of the model by comparing it with the previous numerical findings. A case study is performed with reference to the Xiangshui Wind Farm project to analyze the effects of varying submarine landslide densities, velocities, impact heights, and seabed sediment strengths on pile head horizontal displacement, pile rotation at the mudline, and maximum bending moment. The findings indicate that the increase in submarine landslide density, velocity, and impact height leads to an increase in horizontal displacement at the pile head, pile rotation at the mudline, and maximum bending moments, and a horizontal failure mode is observed in seabed sediments. Furthermore, under the same load conditions, a decrease in seabed sediment strength and internal friction angle triggers instability in monopiles, with a noteworthy transition from horizontal failure to deep-seated seabed sediment failure. Finally, we propose a criterion for monopile instability under diverse loading conditions.

Intelligent prediction of wave loads based on multi-source data-driven methods

ABSTRACT High-fidelity wave-load tests is pivotal in the design and development of modern ship structures. Nonetheless, the prohibitive cost of conducting such tests limits their applicability. A wave-load data fusion method was implemented using the model test data from a typical displacement-type ship to generalise the small sample test, and a multi-source data characterisation and model parameter optimisation method were established to achieve efficient wave-load (wave frequency and slamming superposition) prediction. Using multi-source data, a multi-fidelity wave-load prediction (MFWLP) model was constructed by combining numerical computation, regular wave tests (RWT), and irregular wave test (IWT) data based on transfer learning with a secondary correction wave load prediction under irregular wave conditions. The model was effectively employed in a ship wave-load engineering case. This study reveals that the adopted MFWLP model demonstrates adequate extrapolation and prediction capabilities, even with limited high-fidelity test samples. The discrepancy between the nonlinear wave load prediction and model test was found to be within 15%. Therefore, the proposed method can serve as a foundation for rapidly assessing ship wave loads across various sea conditions, especially under high sea states.

Mathematical modeling of water waves interaction with trapezoidal-shaped breakwater in the presence of current

In this study, an investigation is conducted into the interaction between water waves and a bottom-standing, thick, porous, and trapezoidal-shaped breakwater under the influence of an uniform current. This investigation has been conducted using several effect factors, such as the friction coefficient and porosity of the breakwater and ocean currents, to comprehend various phenomena related to wave energy dissipation, wave load, wave transmission, and wave reflection, etc. The boundary element method-based numerical technique is used to solve the associated boundary value problem. The modeling of the porosity of the breakwater structure is done using the Sollit and cross model [CK Sollitt, RH Cross. Wave transmission through permeable breakwaters. Coast Eng. 1972; 1972: 1827–1846.] of water wave passes through thick porous structures. In the presence of the following and opposite currents, the ‘Doppler-shift’ effect is observed in wave transformation characteristics due to the shift in wave frequencies. The wave-blocking phenomenon in open water and porous regions has been demonstrated. The results show that the following and opposing currents shift the frequencies for which optima in wave reflection occurs.

Leveraging a Small Dataset to Predict Nonlinear Global Loads in Irregular Waves

In this work, a hybrid machine learning method, which uses ML strategies to model high-order force components within a low-order equation of motion, is considered in the context of the global wave-induced loads of a ship in irregular waves. It is shown that the method can make predictions in a range of wave conditions even when the training data set only includes a single seaway. The proposed method offers a data-leveraging technique which may be useful in the design space, where a small data set derived from a high-fidelity source can be leveraged to make similar fidelity predictions in a larger number of wave conditions.

Prediction of plasma path and analysis of axial fracturing properties in rock fragmentation by high-voltage pulsed discharge (RHPD)

Rock fragmentation by high-voltage pulsed discharge (RHPD) is widely utilized in resource recovery and energy extraction due to its low energy consumption and high efficiency. However, observing the plasma development process during RHPD presents challenges, and the frequency dependence of dielectric properties further complicates plasma path prediction and the analysis of fracturing properties in the axial direction of the plasma. To address these issues, we analyzed the development properties of plasma within rocks and established a segmented breakdown criterion that considered the propagation velocity of plasma. Additionally, utilizing a transient electromagnetic field model and a particle flow model (PFM), we established a multi-physics field model and proposed a predictive method for the plasma path in a rock–liquid combination environment. This allows for the quantification of the velocity, potential, and length of the plasma. Furthermore, we computed the time response of shock waves and analyzed the loading mechanism of shock waves. Based on the spatial distribution of plasma, the PFM was applied to simulate the fracturing properties of rocks under shock wave loading. Finally, we established a comprehensive experimental platform for RHPD and conducted three-dimensional reconstructions of the fractured area to validate the accuracy of plasma path prediction methods and fracturing properties analysis. This study significantly advances plasma development theory and provides insights for optimizing rock fragmentation efficiency.

Numerical Modeling and Dynamic Response Analysis of an End-Anchored Floating Bridge With a Damaged Pontoon Under Repair Operation

Abstract Floating bridges face potential hazards due to ship collisions throughout their operational lifetime. In a situation where a pontoon is significantly damaged from an accident, a floating drydock may be used to compensate for the lost buoyancy and provide a dry atmosphere for operations. As the repair might take months, a primary concern is whether the repair can be in-site conducted without shutting down the road traffic. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using a drydock for the repair. The numerical model of the in-operation damaged bridge is established for a comparative dynamic analysis with the intact end-anchored bridge. Eigenvalue analysis is conducted, and pendulum modes of oscillation are found with an eigen-period of around 15 s. The dynamic responses are analyzed through a series of fully coupled time-domain simulations under various environmental conditions. The results indicate that the standard deviation of the moment about the girder weak axis increases significantly at the damaged pontoon axis due to the excitation of low-frequency resonant response. Swell wave loads might induce dynamic amplification to the damaged bridge, even with a relatively small wave height. In addition, the internal stress of the bridge girder is investigated and found to be larger, especially, at the lower locations of the cross section. It is suggested that the responses can be managed by limiting the excitation of pendulum modes or providing special damping devices in practical engineering.

A novel analytical solution for horizontal vibration of partially embedded offshore piles considering the distribution effect of wave loads

According to the Novak's plane strain theory and Biot's wave equation, this paper proposes an analytical model for horizontal vibration of partially embedded offshore piles under distribution effect of wave loads (DEWL) incorporating the diffraction effects of waves. Firstly, for the pile above the mudline, the wave force acting on the pile is obtained through the method of separation of variables. Secondly, for the embedded section of offshore piles, the governing equations of the seabed are decoupled by introducing potential functions, and then the boundary condition of the seabed and the continuity condition at the soil-pile contact surface are combined to obtain the frequency domain analysis of the soil reaction forces. Furthermore, by applying the continuity condition of displacement at mudline and using the matrix transfer method, the analytical solution for the horizontal vibration characteristics (HVC) is derived. Finally, a comparison analysis with existing theoretical solutions is conducted to validate the rationality and accuracy of the analytical solution proposed in this paper. Based on this, a parametric analysis is conducted to discuss the effects of the parameters of the soil, the pile and the wave on the HVC of partially embedded offshore piles.

Multi-agent cooperative optimal scheduling strategy of integrated energy system in urban area under extreme events

Because the global climate change intensifies as well as the natural disasters frequently occur, extreme events have caused serious impacts on the energy system in urban areas, and at the same time, they have brought great challenges to the supply and scheduling of urban energy systems. Therefore, in order to better integrate and manage various energy resources in urban areas, a Deep Q-Leaning Network-Quasi Upper Confidence Bound model is innovatively constructed using deep reinforcement learning technology to learn the state and behavior mapping relationship of energy system. Use deep learning to fit complex nonlinear models to optimize the entire energy system. Compare and verify the experiment with the real energy system. The improved Deep reinforcement learning algorithm is compared with Q-learning model, PDWoLF PHC algorithm model, Quasi Upper Confidence Bound algorithm model and deep Q-Leaning Network algorithm model. The results show that the research algorithm has the smallest instantaneous error value and absolute value of frequency deviation for area control, and the average value of the research algorithm in the absolute value of the frequency deviation is reduced by 45%–73% compared to other algorithms; over time, the unit output power of the research algorithm is able to flexibly track the stochastic square wave loads. Therefore, the proposed system strategies can provide feasible solutions to meet the challenges of extreme events and promote the sustainable development and safe operation of urban energy systems.

Exploring Motion Stability of a Novel Semi-Submersible Platform for Offshore Wind Turbines

The stability of offshore floating wind turbine foundation platforms is a fundamental requirement for the efficiency and safety of wind power generation systems. This paper proposes a novel small-diameter float-type semi-submersible platform to improve system stability. To evaluate the superior motion stability of the proposed floating platform, a comprehensive frequency–domain response analysis and experimental study were conducted in comparison with the OC4-DeepCwind platform developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The respective comparison of the frequency–domain response analysis and the experimental results demonstrated that the proposed floating wind turbine platform shows better hydrodynamic characteristics and resonance avoidance capability. This not only reduces the Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs), but also enhances the system stability, namely, effectively avoiding the regions of concentrated wave loading and low-frequency ranges. Furthermore, the proposed small-diameter semi-submersible platform has the potential to reduce manufacturing costs, providing valuable insights for the manufacturing of offshore floating wind turbine systems.

Vibration control and stroke evaluation of bi-directional bistable nonlinear energy sinks applied in monopile offshore wind turbines during emergency shutdown

Monopile offshore wind turbines (OWTs) in complex wind and wave environments can generate more excessive vibrations in the fore-aft (FA) and side-to-side (SS) directions when emergency shutdowns occur, and therefore damping techniques to alleviate such vibrations are essential. Due to the potential frequency detuning (reduced damping effectiveness) of traditional tuned mass dampers (TMDs) and stroke issues (such as large strokes of TMDs and limited maximum strokes of unidirectional nonlinear energy sinks (NESs)) in existing absorbers, this paper proposes a bi-directional bistable nonlinear energy sink (BBNES) to mitigate the vibration of the OWT in the FA and SS directions during the emergency shutdown. First, the proposed device and its operation mechanism are elaborated, and an optimization method for the device is introduced. Then, the dynamic analysis model of the BBNES is developed for vibration control of the OWT and incorporated into a fully coupled numerical simulation tool with high fidelity, FAST v8. Subsequently, the responses of the OWT without and with the proposed BBNES and the bi-directional tuned mass damper (BTMD) are exhaustively investigated under diverse conditions (including mass ratios, wind-wave loadings, emergency shutdown times, wind-wave misalignments, and 1st mode natural frequencies of the OWT) to reveal their performances and compare them. The research results show that under most conditions, the BBNES and BTMD have a similar damping performance in the FA direction, whereas the BBNES has a slightly lower damping performance in the SS direction than the BTMD. In addition, except for the wind velocity of 8 m/s at the hub and the wind-wave misalignment of 90°, the FA stroke of the BBNES with a small mass ratio (i.e., 0.01∼0.035) is significantly smaller than that of the BTMD with the same mass ratio by more than 1.1 m, and even up to about 4 m. The SS stroke of the BBNES is slightly greater than that of the BTMD, and in most cases, the difference between both is less than 0.52 m. Therefore, the BBNES is superior to the BTMD in this regard. When the 1st mode natural frequency of the OWT decreases, the BTMD can lose its tuning efficacy and makes the tower more susceptible to resonance caused by 1p and wave loadings, while the BBNES is not affected by the 1st mode natural frequency variation of the OWT, demonstrating its stronger robustness.