Optimization of Wave Induced Motions and Forces on a Floating Island

Floating mega islands can provide an attractive solution for creating temporal or more permanent space in coastal areas with a high demand for real estate. Also at open sea in the vicinity of wind farms, fish farms or logistical cross points, a floating mega island could be used as a hub, eliminating costly transfers to shore. One of the aspects which needs to be understood is the wave induced motion of such a floating mega island. A piece-wise flexible island has been model tested at MARIN as described in Waals (2018). The motion behaviour, mooring loads and connector loads in mild and severe sea states has been investigated. In Otto (2019), the motion behaviour is described and explained by comparing model test results with numerical simulations. An interesting aspect in this is the relative importance of wave diffraction, wave radiation and the dissipation of energy in the construction. In the present paper, design optimizations have been performed by varying the draft, size and shape of the islands, making use of the numerical procedure as described in Otto (2019).

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