Structural Assessment of Tower Subjected to Wind and Wave Loads
Case Highlights:
Client: Offshore Structure Manufacturer, Australia
The Objective: To quantify the system performance characteristics under the influence of loads generated due to wind and hydrodynamic loading
Challenges:
- Determining different hydrodynamic and wind loading conditions to evaluate structural integrity of the tower
- Evaluating the bracket and rail supports based on the stress results obtained for the complete tower
Solution: A detailed three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) computer model was constructed for Structural analysis of the tower system. The analysis was performed to determine structural integrity and performance characteristics of the tower system under different hydrodynamic and wind loading conditions. The results indicated that the structure is safe under the applied loading conditions with satisfactory Factor of Safety.
The design of offshore structures is arguably one of the most complicated tasks for engineers. Apart from withstanding land-based loading conditions, offshore structures also have to withstand hydrodynamic interaction effects arising due to its placement in ocean environment. Additionally, the effect of wind loads also impacts the overall strength of the structure.
Hi-Tech assisted a leading offshore equipment manufacturer in developing the tower design, considering the effects of wind and hydrodynamic loads through computer aided analysis.
Solution:
A 3-dimensional finite element analysis was performed to evaluate the structural integrity of the tower system under given loading conditions. From the results of structural analysis load cases, reactions were obtained at the bracket supports and rail supports, which were further used to simulate for local analysis of rails and brackets.
The results indicated that the structure is safe under the applied loading conditions with satisfactory Factor of Safety.
Benefits
- Assessed the structure design under wind and hydrodynamic loading conditions
- Reduced the number of physical test trials required
- Identified critical stress regions in bolts and brackets
About Hi-Tech
Hi-Tech CFD is a division of Hi-Tech Outsourcing Services, a pioneer engineering outsourcing company since 1992 based in India & USA. It provides expert Computer Aided Engineering - CAE consulting services for engineering / product design analysis by modeling & simulation.
The primary services extended include Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), product design optimization and value engineering services to Automotive, Building / Construction, Process industry, Power Generation, Manufacturing & Heavy Engineering industries.
