Assessing the performance durability of elastomeric moorings: Assembly investigations enhanced by sub-component tests
Gordelier, TJ; Parish, D; Thies, P; et al.Weller, S; Davies, P; Le Gac, P-Y; Johanning, L
Date: 23 March 2018
Article
Journal
Ocean Engineering
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher DOI
Abstract
The growing marine renewable energy sector has led to a demand for increasingly
compliant mooring systems. In response, several innovative mooring
tethers have been proposed demonstrating potential customisation to the stiffness profi le and reduced peak mooring loads. Many of these novel systems utilise
materials in a unique ...
The growing marine renewable energy sector has led to a demand for increasingly
compliant mooring systems. In response, several innovative mooring
tethers have been proposed demonstrating potential customisation to the stiffness profi le and reduced peak mooring loads. Many of these novel systems utilise
materials in a unique application within the challenging marine environment and
their long term durability remains to be proven.
This paper presents a multifaceted investigation into the durability of a novel
polyester mooring tether with an elastomeric core. Laboratory based functionality
tests are repeated on tether assemblies following a 6 month sea deployment.
Results show a 45% average increase in dynamic axial stiffness. This is supported
by high tension laboratory based fatigue endurance tests showing a peak
increase in dynamic axial stiffness of 42%. Sub-component material tests on
the core elastomer support the assembly tests, separately demonstrating that
certain aspects of tether operation lead to increased material sample stiffness.
The average increase in material radial compressive stiffness is 22% and 15%
as a result of marine ageing and repeated mechanical compression respectively;
these are the fi rst results of this type to be published.
The performance durability characterisation of the tether establishes the mooring design envelope for long-term deployment. This characterisation is
crucial to ensure reliable and effective integration of novel mooring systems into
offshore engineering projects.
Engineering
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
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