3.4, the catch probability of the new configuration might
differ from the results found in the aforementioned subchapters.
The new design mainly influences the overall
load distribution in the boom. The local cross section of
the skirt, shown in Figure 3.66, remains the same in the
new layout as it is only determined by the skirt material,
ballast weight and current speed, which are still identical
to the initial design. The skirt height also remains unchanged.
Since the plastic catch efficiency of the boom
will mainly be determined by the local cross section, it
is assumed that the previously found efficiencies and
trends will still be valid for the new design. Still, the axial
flexibility of the boom will be different since the boom
is supported every 60 m by the tension cable instead of
continuously. This will change the local angle of the boom
with the current and might have a minor influence on the
efficiency. Therefore new CFD calculations are necessary
in the second phase of the project in order to better predict
the exact catch efficiency.
The new design will also result in different loads on the
structure. Since the tension cable is decoupled from the
buoyancy element, the flexibility of the boom will increase
and the boom will be better able to adjust its shape to
incoming waves. This will lead to a reduction of the environmental
loads and makes the design more suited to
withstand extreme 100-year load conditions. Whether
this makes the design robust enough to withstand all design
load conditions has to be investigated in more detail
during the detailed design in Phase II of the project.