Wave Induced Deformation and Stress Responses in HDPE Circular Net Cage: A Numerical Approach

A 3D numerical model was developed to analyze the deformation and stress characteristics of HDPE material circular net cage exposed to waves, using the finite element method (FEM). The total wave forces acting on the structure were evaluated with method combining analytical and numerical, and served as boundary conditions during the simulation. Testing cases were performed eventually based on the actual conditions in Zhanjiang bay. The results show that wave height is an important factor that affects the dynamics response characteristics of net cages as well as the working conditions of the cages in sea environment, and the peak stress of the flotation structure always occurs at the mooring points. We also suggest that the net cages that constructed inside Zhanjiang Bay may not fail even during the storm process when in normal working condition.