Numerical Analysis of Installation Mechanisms for Floating Wind Turbine Helical Anchors in Sand

Abstract Helical anchors present a promising alternative for floating wind power foundations in deep-sea areas, providing fast installation, precise positioning, and strong load capacity, particularly in quartz-rich sandy seabeds. However, a critical understanding of the force mechanisms involved in the installation of helical anchors has not been fully explored. Such mechanisms, especially in sandy seabeds, must be addressed to ensure reliable application and optimize design strategies. To bridge this gap, this study employs finite element software ABAQUS, leveraging the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) approach, which is particularly effective for simulating large deformation scenarios. Additionally, a hypoplastic constitutive model, known for accurately capturing soil behavior under varied loading, is implemented to analyze the forces acting on helical anchors installation in sandy seabeds. With the focus on analyzing structural forces and soil mechanical properties, a framework is established to study the force mechanism of helical anchor installation in sandy soil. Specifically, the analysis begins from the total load required for installation, progresses to analyzing the force patterns on different parts of the helical anchor during the installation process, and further explores soil movement and changes in mechanical properties of the soil based on these force patterns. The study reveals the evolution of force pattern and soil behavior throughout the installation process, offering a new perspective for research on the installation mechanism of helical anchors.