A novel optimisation process for static structural finite element analysis of offshore wind turbine floating foundations

The study presents a novel optimisation process for structural finite element analysis for a floating foundation for offshore wind turbines. The methodology is based on Ansys Pymechanical scripting for a semisubmersible platform. The structural analysis includes hydrostatic pressure, static aerodynamic thrust and turbine weight, and mooring loads. The optimisation is single objective, aiming to reduce mass and constrained by yield stress and buckling instability. The results show the capabilities of the methodology to achieve an optimal configuration of thicknesses and dimension of internal stiffeners.