Deformation Analysis of Suction Anchors for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines

Abstract This study evaluates the structural performance of suction anchors for floating offshore wind turbines using the finite element method (FEM). It analyzes anchor performance while excluding seabed-soil interaction, focusing on stress distribution and deformation characteristics. Two key criteria—equivalent strain and equivalent stress—are assessed to determine optimal design parameters. The study considers water depths up to 200 m and a 5 MW wind turbine exerting a 1,600 tf pullout load on an anchor. The results show that a minimum anchor body thickness of 28 cm is required to satisfy the equivalent elastic strain and stress limits. At a water depth of 200 meters, the 28 cm design reaches a maximum deformation of 4.1 cm. These findings provide guidelines for safe and cost-effective suction anchor design in deepwater environments.