The third option that was considered to connect the steel
tubes involves using rubber flanges (Figure 3.9). The rubber
flanges are normally used to deal with expansion of
steel pipe. However, rubber joints will likely not survive
long, due to fatigue and other environmental influences.
3.2.2.3 Flexible Polymer Boom
This concept is almost identical to the steel boom. The
main difference is that all elements are able to move
along with the motion of the waves, similar to how oil
containment booms work. The flexible boom concept allows
for deformation to follow the wave elevation. The
buoyancy body is made out of an elastic material. Below
the body, a skirt is attached. Due to the low bending stiffness,
this concept does not require hinges (Figure 3.10).