Composite Springs for Mooring Tensioners: A Systematic Review of Material Selection, Fatigue Performance, Manufacturing, and Applications

Yuanzhen Cai, Milad Bazli, Asanka P. Basnayake, Martin Veidt, Michael T. Heitzmann

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    3 Citations (Scopus)
    117 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Ocean energy is an underutilized renewable energy source compared with hydropower and wind power. Therefore, the development of economical and efficient wave energy converters (WECs) is important and crucial for offshore power generation. The mooring tensioner is a critical device that can be used in point-absorber-type WECs, semisubmersible floats for oil and gas drilling, and floating wind turbines. A mooring tensioner is a system used to create, reduce, or maintain tension within the mooring lines by applying a force to the mooring line. Composite springs as mooring tensioners have several advantages compared to metal springs, such as corrosion resistance, high specific strain energy, appropriate fatigue performance, and the ability to flexibly adjust the spring constant without changing the overall dimensions. This paper reviews in detail the fatigue performance, seawater durability, and manufacturing methods of different composite materials as well as the current and potential applications of composites springs. In addition, recommendations for future research and opportunities for composite mooring tensioners are presented.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number1286
    Pages (from-to)1-34
    Number of pages34
    JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering
    Volume10
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2022

    Bibliographical note

    Funding Information:
    The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Blue Economy CRC, established and supported under the Australian Government’s CRC Program, grant number CRC-20180101. The CRC Program supports industry-led collaborations between industry, researchers, and the community.

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