Impulsive loads on interconnected floating bodies

Aim of this contribution is to examine the load on the mooring and on the tie rods of a set of interconnected floating bodies under extreme waves, with particular attention to the layout obliquity. Tests carried out at the IMAGE department of Padova University are briefly presented. It is doubtful how to scale the laboratory tests in the presence of impulsive loads on semi-taught moorings. In order to find proper scaling laws, a numerical model is presented where the chain and the floating body are studied as a lumped mass system. Results, compared to available laboratory tests are encouraging and it appears that the main processes in presence of impulses are correctly represented by the model. Model calibration will be carried out shortly, on the basis of specific ongoing tests on floating Wave Energy Converters.