The present paper describes the experiences gained from the design methodology
and operation of a 3D physical model experiment aimed to investigate the dynamic behavior of a spar
buoy (SB) off-shore floating wind turbine (WT) under different wind and wave con- ditions.
The physical model tests have been performed at Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI) off-shore wave
basin within the European Union-Hydralab IV Integrated Infrastructure Initiative, in
October 2012. The floating WT model has been subjected to a combination of regular and
irregular wave attacks and steady wind loads. Observations of hydrodynamics, displacements of the
floating structure, wave induced pressures and tensions at critical points of the structure and at
the mooring lines have been carried out. Based on the observed data, the numerical model
Sesam [1], developed by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), has been calibrated and verified. The adopted
numerical model took into account the wave induced response and the effects of the mooring lines on
the overall system.
The calibration of the numerical model has been performed both for static and dynamic condi- tions.
At the end of the calibration procedure, the numerical model has been successfully used to
simulate two selected irregular wave attacks