Work

Nodal discontinuous Galerkin spectral formulation for mooring problems with snap loads, including bending and torsion

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High-resolution numerical schemes remain underutilized in mooring line analysis of floating wind turbines and wave energy converters. The need to simulate impulsive dynamics such as snap loads — propagation of abrupt tension variations along the line — also requires shock-capturing methods capable of robustly handling these phenomena across a wide range of mooring materials, configurations, and load conditions. This work presents a nodal discontinuous Galerkin spectral element method for solving the non-linear dynamic equations of submerged mooring lines with high-order accuracy and low-dispersion errors, essential for wave propagation problems. The model accounts for hydrodynamic forces via Morison’s equation, includes current loading, seabed contact, and incorporates bending and torsional effects that preserve high-order strain gradients. Comprehensive validation and verification against analytical, numerical, and experimental benchmarks from the literature demonstrates the method’s superior accuracy and performance, and its robustness for handling slack cable conditions conducive to snap loading. This capability is particularly critical for offshore renewable energy applications where accurate prediction of these loads is essential to prevent premature failures.

Source: Ocean Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.123202

Authors: A.F.L. Governo, J.C.C. Henriques, L.M.C. Gato

Institutions: University of Lisbon, Instituto Superior Técnico, Instituto Superior Técnico Instituto de Engenharia Mecânica

Language: English

Topic: Offshore Engineering and Technologies

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150

Funder: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia