@inproceedings{Cain2023IMECE,
    author = "Cain, Chandler S. and Lee, Yong Hoon",
    title = "Hydro-structural design exploration of floating platform for offshore energy systems",
    booktitle = "ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE)",
    address = "New Orleans, LA, USA",
    year = "2023",
    month = oct,
    number = "IMECE2023-112479",
    pages = "1-8",
    pdf = "/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cain_2023a_IMECE.pdf",
    doi = "10.1115/IMECE2023-112479",
    gsid = "10996955727050008710",
%    comment = "",
    abstract = "This paper presents a comprehensive study on the hydro-structural design exploration of floating platforms for offshore energy systems. The study aims to develop a novel design method that optimizes the structure of the platform for stable dynamic responses to ocean waves, ensuring that the motion of the platform remains within acceptable acceleration ranges in all six degrees of freedom, while ensuring satisfactory of geometrical constraints. The study delves into the free-form design of the outer columns of the floating platform beyond conventional predefined shapes to enhance the overall performance of the system. The design utilizes a parameterization based on free-form spline interpolation for the outer shape of the hull and fixed-shaped pontoons to connect to the central structure where the energy-generating device (e.g. wind turbine) is installed. The study employs hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, and time-domain structural dynamic simulations within a monolithic multidisciplinary design optimization formulation to evaluate the overall dynamic responses of floating platforms. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the hydro-structural design of the floating platforms for offshore energy systems. The optimal shape of the outer column suggests that the concave design enhances dynamic performance by effectively reducing the span-wise footprint of the platform. The results offer design considerations for floating platform hull developers to create robust designs that can withstand harsh metocean conditions. The findings obtained from the optimization solutions suggest the need for advanced design exploration and shape optimization of the floating platform hull, including the pontoons and the central structure for optimal performance. The study also suggests employing manufacturability constraints and wave loadings in all possible directions to reflect real-world operating conditions of floating platforms.",
}