Validation of a simplfied method for the crashworthiness of offshore wind turbine jackets using finite elements simulations

The work presented in this paper focuses on crashworthiness of jacket foundations used to support offshore wind turbines in moderately deep waters. In a previous research work, the authors have developed a solver based on analytical formulations, derived from limit plastic analysis, to assess the damage of such foundations when impacted by a ship. The present paper describes the methodology followed to perform numerical validations of the theoretical developments, including a description of the finite element models, the computation hypotheses and the simulations performed using LS-DYNA code. Many parameters describing the collision scenario are investigated, namely the type, the mass, the initial velocity and the trajectory of the striking ship. Some comparisons between analytical and numerical results are finally shown.