We develop physics-based, high-fidelity CFD and coupled hydrodynamic–structural–mooring models to predict cage loads, motions, deformation, and flow fields under realistic sea states—supporting safer, more efficient, and scalable offshore aquaculture.
What we model
Our models represent the coupled physics of waves, currents, flexible structures, and moorings—capturing the FSI between deformation and hydrodynamics.
Wave–current interaction around porous/flexible net structures
Structural deformation and dynamic response of cage components
Mooring line tension, offsets, and restoring behaviour
Methodology
We use multiphase CFD to resolve wave–current fields and their interaction with cage geometry. Net structures are represented as moving porous media, and two-way coupling is achieved through data exchange between models.
Featured Research Outputs
Chen, Hao, and Erik Damgaard Christensen. "Development of a numerical model for fluid-structure interaction analysis of flow through and around an aquaculture net cage." Ocean Engineering 142 (2017): 597-615.
Chen, Hao, and Erik Damgaard Christensen. "Investigations on the porous resistance coefficients for fishing net structures." Journal of Fluids and Structures 65 (2016): 76-107.