A coupled hydrodynamic–structural model of the M4 wave energy converter

Journal article

A method is developed for modelling wave energy converters consisting of floats connected by slender structural elements. The hydrodynamic and structural dynamic analyses are separated in a two-stage process, though the model is fully coupled. The method of dynamic substructuring is used to achieve this separation. The linear diffraction/radiation problem is solved with a finite element idealisation for axisymmetric floats, and drag forces are incorporated by equivalent linearization. Results for a planar representation of the M4 device, and comparisons of theory and experiments undertaken for two scale models tested in regular and random waves, confirm the validity of the theoretical approach. A series of parametric studies is performed to clarify the important physical variables, including natural periods, the ratio of a characteristic length of the device to the wave length, and power take-off.

Authors: Eatock Taylor, R; Taylor, PH; Stansby, PK

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Journal of Fluids and Structures
• Volume: 63
• Pages: 77-96
• Publication date: 2016-03-22
• Acceptance date: 2016-02-29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfluidstructs.2016.02.009
• ISSN: 1095-8622
• Language: English
• Keywords: modal analysis; Wave energy; substructuring; fluid-structure interaction; wave diffraction