Comparison of offshore fish cage flotation systems designs using finite element method

Abstract

Cage fishing is a sustainable production method that enables the controlled rearing of fish populations through cage systems established in inland waters or seas. Threats such as increasing environmental pollution, global warming, and irresponsible hunting negatively affect marine populations. This method offers significant advantages in meeting the need for seafood in a controlled and healthy way. To benefit from cage fishing effectively and healthily, the necessary conditions must be provided optimally, thus creating a suitable environment. However, the performance of cage systems is directly affected by environmental conditions, requiring designs to be analyzed under environmental effects. This study examined the designs of stable floating structures that ensure cage systems remain stable in the desired position and serve as a safe platform in situations requiring intervention. Floating structures with different geometric designs used in the application were analyzed using the finite element method under varying current speeds (0.5 m/s, 0.7 m/s, 1 m/s), and the results were compared. ANSYS Workbench, a software program based on the finite element method, was used during the analyses. In this context, it aims to provide information that can guide design decisions before implementation to prevent problems that may occur with the data obtained.

Keywords

• finite element method
• cage systems
• computational fluid dynamics

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