Offshore Wind Structures Design Sensitivity to Metocean Site Conditions

This project seeks to investigate the relationship between uncertainties, and variations, in Metocean conditions
and their consequences on the structural end-design of FOWTs. FOWTs present unique challenges;
they have more complex dynamical interactions than fixed offshore wind turbines arising as they have more
degrees of freedom. Additionally, there is potential coupling between various Metocean parameters and
structural loads. To narrow the scope of this potentially extensive research project, the primary analysis
will focus on the floating substructure, while other system parameters such as turbine type, size, and mooring
will remain constant. Optimisation and investigation of the floating substructure is an auspicious research
route, as it has very tangible commercial benefits; the floating substructure and materials characterises a
very significant proportion of the CAPEX of offshore wind projects