Experimental and numerical investigation of time-dependent wave scour around slender and large offshore wind turbine monopiles

Abdi V., DOĞAN M., KAYA B., ÖZGENÇ AKSOY A., Yasir Y.

Marine Structures, cilt.109, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 109
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.marstruc.2026.104108
  • Dergi Adı: Marine Structures
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Geobase, ICONDA Bibliographic, INSPEC
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Experimental investigation, Numerical modelling, Slender and large offshore wind turbine monopiles, Time-dependent wave scour
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Scour occurs when waves are deposited around cylindrical piled structures, such as quays/piers and offshore wind turbine monopiles, in marine environments. When scour reaches significant levels, it can lead to structural failures, including collapse, resulting in high repair costs. Given the importance of stability in coastal and offshore structures, the present study investigated time-dependent scour around a large cylindrical pile under regular wave action, experimentally and numerically. This study seeks to develop an empirical relationship to predict the time-dependent scour around cylindrical piles. Numerical simulation was performed using the Flow-3D software that solves the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS equations) with the RNG ( Re -Normalized Group) turbulence model. In experimental studies, ultrasonic measurement devices were also used to record time-dependent scour and wave data. All the experiments were conducted with a non-cohesive uniform graduated sand, including two different grain sizes. As a result, the study proposes an empirical equation to predict the time-dependent scour depth around both slender and large piles. The results from the numerical analysis and experimental values, despite being slightly different, indicated that both the Keulegan-Carpenter number and the Diffraction parameter effectively vary time-dependent scour.