Finite Element Analysis of the Effect of Currents on the Dynamics of a Moored Flexible Cylindrical Net Cage

Abstract

A numerical model associated with wave–current interactions with a moored flexible cylindrical cage was developed based on the finite element method. An analytical model was formulated under the linearised wave theory and small structural response, and a semi-analytical solution was obtained using the Fourier Bessel series solution and least squares approximation method, along with a matching technique. The numerical results from the finite element analysis of the horizontal displacements for different design parameters under a uniform current were compared with the analytical model solutions. It was seen that they had a good level of agreement with their results. The effects of different current speeds and time on the cage shapes were analysed from the finite element results. Further, the mooring forces on the flexible cage for different values of the cage height and cage radius were also presented. The comparison of the results indicated that the numerical model results could be used with confidence in the design of a flexible cylindrical net cage for applications to offshore aquacultures.