Validation of Hydrodynamic Loads on a Large-Diameter Monopile in Regular Waves

Abstract

Validated hydrodynamic load models for large-diameter support structures are increasingly important as the industry moves towards larger offshore wind turbines. Experiments at 1:50 scale with stiff, vertical, bottom-fixed, extra-large (9m and 11m diameter full-scale) monopiles in steep waves are conducted. The tests are carried out at two water depths, 27 m and 33 m. A range of regular waves, with varying period and amplitude, are used. The first, second, and third harmonics of the total wave loads, where measurements are available, are calculated with different methods. For the first harmonic of the force (and consequently the mudline moment), MacCamy-Fuchs gives the best agreement with experiments, especially for the larger diameter model. For the second harmonic, for the shortest waves the generalized FNV theory and Morison equation overpredict the forces, while for the longest (and largest) waves, the opposite is observed. The third harmonic of the force is generally overpredicted by the calculations.