Abstract
A method is developed for modelling wave energy converters consisting of floats connected by slender structural elements. The hydrodynamic and structural dynamic analyses are separated in a two-stage process, though the model is fully coupled. The method of dynamic substructuring is used to achieve this separation. The linear diffraction/radiation problem is solved with a finite element idealisation for axisymmetric floats, and drag forces are incorporated by equivalent linearization. Results for a planar representation of the M4 device, and comparisons of theory and experiments undertaken for two scale models tested in regular and random waves, confirm the validity of the theoretical approach. A series of parametric studies is performed to clarify the important physical variables, including natural periods, the ratio of a characteristic length of the device to the wave length, and power take-off.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 77-96 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | Journal of Fluids and Structures |
| Volume | 63 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 May 2016 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Mechanical Engineering
Keywords
- Fluid-structure interaction
- Modal analysis
- Substructuring
- Wave diffraction
- Wave energy
