Ultimate Bending Strength Behaviors of Tubular Connections on Floating Type Wave Energy Converter

In terms of structural strength, the weakest point in a floating pendulum wave energy converter is at the tubular connections located between the floater and the damping plate. It is supposed that the maximum stress occurs at this point when bending moments are applied under operational conditions. Thus, the behavior of the buckling and ultimate strength is an important aspect of the design of tubular connections. When buckling occurs, the in-plane stiffness of the structure significantly decreases. Hence, to prevent such buckling and maximize the ultimate strength of the connections, six types of longitudinal and vertical bracings are employed. In the present study, the ultimate bending strength of tubular connections was numerically investigated using a quasi-static approach. The findings of the study are useful for the detailed structural design of tubular connections.