Analytical and numerical model on the hydroelastic response of an array of moored circular offshore floating platform

A mathematical model has been introduced to investigate the hydroelastic behaviour of an array of moored floating circular modules in a water of finite depth. This model relies on principles of linearised small-amplitude theory, employing the Timoshenko-Mindlin beam theory to model the floating modules. The analytical solution is obtained by considering the geometric symmetry of the boundary value problem and using a matching technique in conjunction with the orthogonal mode-coupling condition, which involves Bessel functions. The analytical outcomes regarding vertical displacement for various configurations and design parameters are compared with numerical model simulations, showing a strong level of agreement. To enhance confidence, several numerical results derived from the analytical solutions are presented and thoroughly analysed, focusing on structural displacements, bending moments, and wave properties in relation to variations in mooring stiffness, elastic modulus, and water depth. Additionally, the numerical model results from Boundary Element Method code simulations, including structural displacements, contour plots, and hydrodynamic diffraction, are examined in detail. The comparison results demonstrate that the analytical model can be reliably employed in the design of large, floating, flexible, articulated platforms intended for offshore renewable energy and aquaculture applications.