Design of a Flexible-Base Hinged Connector for Very Large Floating Structures

Abstract

Connector of multi-modular VLFS is a key component which determines the connection load and the dynamic behavior of the system. This paper presents a new design of the flexible-base hinged connector (FBHC) for VLFS in order to reduce the connection load. The connector consists of a hinged joint and two flexible bases. A finite element model of the connector is established for the deformation analysis to match up the requirement on the optimal stiffness combination of the connector [1]. Further the strength analysis is also carried out to check the safety of the structure design according to the maximum design loads. By applying the connector model to a three-modular floating platform, the dynamic behavior of the platform is analyzed. The results show that the responses of the modules are within the tolerable range and the connector meets the strength requirements.