Author(s): Qi Yang; Wei He; Peng Yu; Mengzhen Xu
Linked Author(s): Mengzhen Xu, Peng Yu
Keywords: Suction anchor foundation; Local scour; Tidal current; CFD; Sediment transport
Abstract: Amid the increasing urgency of climate change mitigation, renewable energy sources like offshore wind power have gained prominence. However, the stability of offshore wind turbines faces challenges from extreme conditions, notably scouring induced by ocean waves and currents. While past research has largely focused on wave or unidirectional current-induced scouring around offshore foundations, there's a notable gap regarding tidal currents, despite their significance in offshore wind farm locations. This study delves into the local scour characteristics surrounding the innovative Umbrella Suction Anchor Foundation (USAF), renowned for its exceptional resistance to erosion. Employing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and sediment transport models, we scrutinize the evolution of scouring and predict scour depth across diverse scenarios. Furthermore, a comparative analysis sheds light on the complexity of tidal conditions. Our findings provide theoretical insights for designing and managing the USAF, deepening our understanding of its structural performance.
Year: 2024