Offshore wind turbines are designed and analyzed using comprehensive simulation tools (or codes) that account for the coupled dynamics of the wind inflow, aerodynamics, elasticity, and controls of the turbine, along with the incident waves, sea current, hydrodynamics, mooring dynamics, and foundation dynamics of the support structure. This paper describes the latest findings of the code-to-code verification activities of the Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration Continuation project, which operates under the International Energy Agency Wind Task 30. In the latest phase of the project, participants used an assortment of simulation codes to model the coupled dynamic response of a 5-MW wind turbine installed on a floating semisubmersible in 200 m of water. Code predictions were compared from load case simulations selected to test different model features. The comparisons have resulted in a greater understanding of offshore floating wind turbine dynamics and modeling techniques, and better knowledge of the validity of various approximations. The lessons learned from this exercise have improved the participants’ codes, thus improving the standard of offshore wind turbine modeling.

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On mixed and fluid film lubrication the characteristics of hydrostatic bearings for hydraulic equipment are studied numerically. By applying a mixed lubrication model derived in a previous paper to the bearings, we clarify the effects of the surface roughness, eccentric or moment loads, supply pressure and speed of rotation on the friction, flow rate, and power losses. Introducing the concept of a ratio of hydrostatic balance, we show that the minimum power loss is given as the ratio becomes close to unity.

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Cavitation erosion produced by impingent of cavitating jet was experimentally studied with specimens of aluminum alloy in high water base fluid of chemical solution type and tap water. Furthermore, the behavior of impinging cavity clouds was observed through instantaneous photographs.