Dynamic Penetration of a Flying Wing Anchor in Sand in Relation to Floating Offshore Wind Turbines

Author

Nikolaus Benedikt Breithaupt, University of Rhode IslandFollow

Date of Award

2015

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

First Advisor

Aaron S. Bradshaw

Abstract

A new concept called the Flying Wing Anchor was recently proposed that consists of a kite-shaped plate anchor that is installed by free-fall penetration, and then rotates into a position that is near normal to the mooring line. Understanding the free-fall penetration behavior and initial embedment depth is critical to assessing the feasibility of the anchor in sandy soils. Small-scale 1g model tests were performed to investigate the dynamic penetration behavior of the anchor both in dry and saturated sand. Simple numerical models were also developed to model the dynamic penetration under drained and undrained conditions. The results indicated that dynamic penetration is likely an undrained process and the key factor controlling the embedment is the undrained strength and strain rate effects. Considering an undrained loading it may be possible for the Flying Wind Anchor to achieve embedment depths of up to 3 times the anchor height in loose sands.

Recommended Citation

Breithaupt, Nikolaus Benedikt, "Dynamic Penetration of a Flying Wing Anchor in Sand in Relation to Floating Offshore Wind Turbines" (2015). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 678.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/678