The Structural Response Investigation of Modular Pontoon Collar Floating Cage due to Current Load to Support Fish Farming Activities

Abstract

The size of net cages increases rapidly, reaching volumes above current experience. More exposed locations are used for fish production, introducing higher loads on the net cage and fish farm from strong water currents and large waves. Strength analysis can be a useful tool for development of net-cage designs to avoid escape of fish and ensure sufficient volume for good fish welfare and water quality. The main objectives of this research are to investigate the structural response of modular pontoon collar floating cage due to the current load to support the fish farming activities. Strength analysis was performed using commercial explicit finite element software to calculate the distribution of loads in the net cage due to current, weights and gravity. The net cage was modeled using truss elements that represented several parallel twines. Sub-elements allowed the trusses to buckle in compression, and only negligible compressive forces were seen in the numerical results. Resulting drag loads and cage volume were shown to be dependent on the net cage size and collar shape.