Impact of Wave Directions on Connector Forces in Hexagonal Modular Floating Structure Networks

This paper presents the development of the hexagonal modular floating structure (HMFS) connector network and the determination of the impact of the connector horizontal force using four types of configurations which are the U-shaped, VP-shaped, VV-shaped and centre layout which connect three hexagonal modules that form a network of connectors. The determination of the forces exerted on the connector from the wave motion highlights the importance of understanding dynamic load interactions between the HMFS. Simulation works were conducted for regular waves in the following directions: 0o,30o,45o,60o,85o, and 90o. The analysis takes into account the influences of various wave directions and HMFS configurations on the connector forces. The analysis shows that the connector force in the centre configuration and VV-shaped configuration is higher than the load in the other two HMFS configurations. The VV-shaped configuration, which has hexagonal vertices oriented towards the wave direction, experiences a greater connector force than the VP-shaped configuration, which aligns its hexagonal parallel side with the wave directions.