One-Way CFD/FEM Analysis of a Fish Cage in Current Conditions

This study explores the hydrodynamic behaviour of a fish cage in a steady current by employing a fluid–structure interaction model with one-way coupling between a fluid solver and a structural model. The fluid field around the fish cage is predicted using a computational fluid dynamics solver, while the stress and deformation of the netting are calculated using finite element structural algorithm with solid elements reflecting their real geometry. The fluid velocity and hydrodynamic pressure are calculated and mapped to the structural analysis model. The fluid–structure interaction model is validated by comparing drag force results with published experimental data at different current conditions. Instead of modelling the netting of the fish cage as porous media or using lumped mass methods, the complete structural model is built in detail. The analysis of the fluid field around the nets shows that the change in the current condition has a limited impact on the flow behaviour, but the increase in the current velocity significantly enhances the magnitude of the drag force. This study reveals a reduction in flow within and downstream of the net, consistent with prior experimental findings and established research. Mechanical analysis shows that knotted nets have better performance than knotless ones, and although fluid pressure causes some structural deformation, it remains within safe limits, preventing material failure.