Due to the complexity of analyzing the structural strength of offshore floating wind power platforms under combined wind, wave, and current loads, the research developed a flexible constraint-based method for strength analysis of floating structures. A dynamic model of the floating structure was established using finite element virtual constraint mechanics, incorporating d'Alembert's inertia release theory. The accuracy and advantages of the proposed theoretical method were validated through comparisons of numerical simulations and experimental test results. Compared to traditional quasi-static and equivalent dynamic analysis methods, the flexible constraint-based strength analysis method presented in this study yielded overall stress results that most closely matched experimental data, improving stress analysis accuracy by approximately 19%. The findings indicate that the maximum stress under combined wind, wave, and current loading reaches 138 MPa, with the most critical location being the connection between the cross brace and the buoy. These results provide theoretical support and methodological guidance for the strength and safety assessment of large, complex floating structures in marine environments.
Zhu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.