A Flexible Connector Design for Multi-Modular Floating Structures

The paper aims to provide a novel flexible connector model for the connection of a multi-modular floating platform. The structural model of the connector is presented. To evaluate connector loads, the governing equation for a modularized floating platform is established using the Rigid Module Flexible Connector (RMFC) model. The dynamic analysis for a two-module floating platform is carried out by using the frequency domain approach in random waves and the extreme loads of the flexible connector are estimated. The finite element method is applied for strength and stiffness analysis to assess the performance of the connector.