Experimental study of the feasibility and hydrodynamic responses of an array of interlinked spars

Abstract

An experimental study of a 2 × 2 array of interlinked spars was performed in order to identify the motion and structural responses and to determine the feasibility of this system. The motion responses of the floaters were measured with noncontact cameras, while the tension in the connectors and mooring lines was measured with single-axis load cells. Strains along the connectors were measured with Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors and electro-resistant strain gauges. The measured results were compared with the allowable stresses of ASTM-32 mild steel. The sea-keeping ability and structural reliability of this new conceptual system were evaluated. ？ 2015. The International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers.