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Investigation of a FAST-OrcaFlex Coupling Module for Integrating Turbine and Mooring Dynamics of Offshore Floating Wind Turbines: Preprint,
oai/?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=oai_dc&identifier=info:ark/67531/metadc846249 International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) This paper investigates the accuracy and stability of the FAST/OrcaFlex coupling operation. In this application, FAST is responsible for capturing the aerodynamic loads and flexure of the wind turbine and its tower, and OrcaFlex models the mooring line and hydrodynamic effects below the water surface. This can be achieved through the FASTlink coupling module, which couples FAST with OrcaFlex, a commercial simulation tool used for modeling mooring line dynamics. OrcaFlex is the world’s leading package for the dynamic analysis of offshore marine systems, renowned for its breadth of technical capability and user friendliness. Higher modeling fidelity can be gained through the use of finite element mooring theory. In the case of a floating turbine, continuous cable theory is used to emulate mooring line dynamics. FAST (Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures and Turbulence) is a comprehensive simulation tool used for modeling land-based and offshore wind turbines. From an engineering perspective, system behavior and line loads must be studied well to ensure the overall design is fit for the intended purpose. Mooring and anchor design can appreciably affect the dynamic response of offshore wind platforms that are subject to environmental loads. To enable offshore floating wind turbine design, the following are required: accurate modeling of the wind turbine structural dynamics, aerodynamics, platform hydrodynamics, a mooring system, and control algorithms.