Dynamic analysis of a TetraSpar floating offshore wind turbine with different tendons failure scenario

Abstract

Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are emerging as a promising solution for harnessing wind energy in deepwater regions, but their structural integrity under extreme conditions remains a critical challenge. The primary and direct objective of this article is to enhance the understanding of the dynamic characteristics of the TetraSpar FOWT under different tendon failure scenarios, supporting a 3.6-MW Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy wind turbine in 200 m water depth, which is a prerequisite and key factor for improving design safety and reliability. Using detailed numerical simulations performed with SIMA, the analysis investigates the platform motions, mooring line tension, keel line tension and tower base bending moment. Key results reveal that ML2 failures significantly increase surge motions, while failures in other mooring lines exhibit relatively limited impact. Failures in keel lines lead to substantial increases in tower base bending moments, underscoring the critical influence of tendon integrity on overall system performance. By presenting statistical metrics and response spectra for platform motions, tower base loads, and mooring tensions, the study highlights practical implications for improving the design and operational reliability of FOWTs in deepwater. These findings contribute to enhance the safety and design optimization of FOWT platforms should be the future work.