Ultimate Strength Analysis of Connections of Floating Pendulum Wave Energy Converter

A floating offshore structure has high tendency to occur the buckling when compressive, bending and shear loads applied. When the buckling is occurred, in-plane stiffness of structure is remarkably decreased. And it has a harmful effect on the local structural strength as well as global structural strength. In the present study, it has been investigated the ultimate strength of tubular members which is located between a floater and a damping plate of the floating pendulum wave energy converter. Nonlinear finite element method is conducted using the initial imperfection according to 1st buckling mode which is obtained from the elastic buckling analysis. It is also noted the ultimate bending strength characteristic varying with a diameter, thickness and stiffeners of the tubular member.