Analysis of the wave load and dynamic response of a new semi-submersible wave-energy-powered aquaculture platform

In this paper, a new type of semi-submersible aquaculture platform, which is powered by wave energy, is studied. Wave-induced loads and dynamic response are calculated using the 3D potential flow theory. Then, a selection criterion for the dominant loads of the proposed platform is established based on the stochastic method. The effect of several parameters on loads and dynamic responses, such as wave frequency, wave direction, and draught depth, is investigated and analyzed. It is found that the effect of draught on the dynamic response of the semi-submersible is significant for vertical shear force Fz and vertical bending moment My. On the other hand, horizontal bending moment Mz is not affected by draught and remains constant for different draught values. The structural response of wave torque is relatively weak compared to other wave-induced loads for the symmetry of the geometry. High-stress regions are located at the junctions between the upper deck and the columns where fatigue failure might easily occur. The results of the structural response analysis may be useful for semi-submersible aquaculture platforms with similar structures in the future