Analysis of the Linear Hydroelastic Response of Flexible Floating Solar Devices

This paper introduces a numerical model based on generalized modes and linear deflection modes superposition dedicated to the simulation of the dynamic behavior of flexible floating solar concepts. Deflection modes, derived from a Finite Element Method solver, are used as inputs for a linear potential flow solver, enabling the calculation of diffraction and radiation coefficients. These coefficients are then incorporated into a time-domain model, considering deflection modes as additional degrees of freedom.. Verification work considering a generic flexible barge sourced from the literature shows satisfactory results. An application to the simulation of a flexible FPV platform demonstrates a robust estimation of dynamic motions and deflections within the platform.