Numerical Simulation and Theoretical Analysis of Wave Loads on Truss Legs for Offshore Energy Platforms

Haoxun Yuan, Yingchun Xie (), Di-Lin Chen (), Jintong Huang, Cheng-Long Zhou, Xiangkun Li, Guijie Liu and Jinchi Zhu
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Haoxun Yuan: Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Yingchun Xie: Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Di-Lin Chen: Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Jintong Huang: Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Cheng-Long Zhou: School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
Xiangkun Li: Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Guijie Liu: Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Jinchi Zhu: Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 18, 1-15

Abstract: Jack-up offshore platforms, supported by truss legs, are integral to the development of marine energy resources, including oil, gas, and offshore wind. Due to the structural complexity of truss legs, accurately quantifying wave loads is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of energy extraction operations. In this work, a numerical wave tank approach combined with theoretical analysis is employed comprehensively to investigate wave loads on truss legs, with a particular emphasis on the effects of component forces and inflow angle. The results demonstrate that wave loads are not solely dependent on member dimensions. The influencing factors affecting component forces include water depth and phase differences between structural units, which amplify the contribution of the component forces of members near the free surface and without phase difference to the total force. Furthermore, the total force varies periodically with the inflow angle in cycles of 60°. Notably, the influence of inflow angle on the total force becomes negligible when the wavelength substantially exceeds the pile spacing. This framework fundamentally provides a theoretical basis for the structural optimization of Jack-up offshore platform support systems, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of energy infrastructure.

Keywords: jack-up offshore platforms; truss legs; wave loads; component force; inflow angle (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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