Characterisation of new-generation dynamic offshore cables

疲劳分析是海上风能系统中动态电缆的关键设计问题。疲劳损伤评估的基础是长期环境载荷对系统造成的关键位置的长期应力循环分布。长期应力循环分布需要进行全球动态时间域分析，然后在一系列不规则海况下进行详细的横截面分析。在极端和疲劳载荷作用下，精确评估复杂截面的局部应力是非常具有挑战性的。行业标准软件框架，如Helica，目前面向海上石油和天然气组件，不具备处理新的创新动态电缆设计所需的精度水平。这个博士项目将通过开发显著增强的横截面建模能力来解决现有工业软件工具的缺点。由此产生的经过验证的分析工具将在开发新安装时提供更高水平的信心，并在所产生的设计中提高效率。这些工具还将有助于对现有电缆元件进行回顾分析和生命周期评估。

Fatigue analysis is a critical design issue for dynamic cables for use in offshore wind energy systems. The basis for assessment of fatigue damage of such elements is the long-term stress cycle distribution at critical locations caused by long-term environmental loading on the system. The long-term stress cycle distribution requires global dynamic time domain analysis followed by a detailed cross sectional analysis in a spectrum of irregular sea states. Accurate evaluation of local stresses in complex cross-sections subjected to extreme and fatigue loads is very challenging. Industry standard software frameworks, such as Helica, are currently orientated towards offshore oil and gas components and do not feature the required level of accuracy to handle new and innovative dynamic cable designs. This PhD project will address the shortcomings of existing industry software tools by developing a significantly enhanced cross section modelling capability. The resulting validated analysis tools will provide higher levels of confidence when developing new installations, as well as improved efficiency in the resulting designs. The tools will also be of benefit in retrospective analysis and lifecycle assessment of existing cable elements.