Numerical Analysis of Offshore Pile Structure for Tidal Current Devise Using FSI Method

Recently, large scale tidal devices have been deployed with a maximum rotor diameter of 20m. These devices impose significant loading on supporting structures. The supporting structure for tidal current power device is under dynamic loadings caused by environmental loadings. Not only the environmental loadings but also the rotating turbine creates dynamic loading as well. The rotating turbine is obviously and continuously deformed for various incoming flow velocities. In many cases, a pile fixed foundation is used to secure the structure. In this study, the commonly used pile fixed type is applied with three blade turbine. A numerical analysis of the hydro-forces from a rotating tidal current turbine to a tower was conducted to determine the deformation distribution along the pile tower. The FSI analysis technique is used in the study.