We investigated the capability of the particle simulation software DEPTH for the geometric optimization of Expandable Plate Anchor (ExPLA) which is a novel anchoring system for floating wind turbines. ExPLA features a plate anchor with two folded plates connected by a hinge. It is vertically embedded into the seafloor in a folded state to minimize penetration resistance. By pulling up the hinge, the folded plates expand horizontally and mobilize high anchoring capacity. To validate this concept, model tests were conducted by using DEPTH. In this study, a coupled simulation technology with discrete element method (DEM) and rigid body dynamics as one of the functions of DEPTH was used. First, DEPTH well reproduced the deployment modes of ExPLA visualized by the experimental method utilizing transparent quarts and liquid with a help of refractive index matching method. The influences of a back slope angle and a dip angle on the increasing rate of deployment angle between anchor plates were investigated. Results demonstrated the anchor with appropriate geometry can effectively expand by pulling out and have large pull-out resistance. This study confirmed potentials of DEPTH to optimize anchoring efficiency for floating wind turbines.
Nishiura et al. (Wed,) studied this question.