Analysis of the SEA-OWC-Clam wave energy device part B: Structural integrity analysis

In this paper the dynamic loads determined for the SEA-OWC-Clam wave energy device, treated as a floating offshore structure with six degrees-of-freedom with partial internal sealed-off channels, are applied to assess its structural integrity. This task necessitates the matching of the boundary element determined dynamic pressures to the corresponding Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to determine the effective von Mises stress levels. A decomposition of the total load to permit attribution to different aspects of radiation and diffraction loading is presented. Possible modification of structural details is identified by undertaking a more local stiffened plate analysis to improve structural details.