Hydroelastic theory for offshore floating plates of variable flexural rigidity.

We present a theoretical model of the hydrodynamic behaviour of a floating flexible plate of variable flexural rigidity connected to the seabed by a spring/damper system. Decomposition of the response modes into rigid and bending elastic components allows us to investigate the hydroelastic behaviour of the plate subject to monochromatic incident free-surface waves of constant amplitude. We show that spatially dependent plate stiffness affects the eigenfrequencies and modal shapes, with direct consequences on plate dynamics and wave power extraction efficiency. We also examine how plate length and Power Take-Off (PTO) distribution affect the response of the system and its consequent absorbed energy. This work highlights the need to improve existing models of flexible floating energy platforms, especially given their importance in the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) sector. [Display omitted] • Plate hydrodynamics is solved by applying a dry bending mode expansion. • Flexible wave energy converters exhibit greater efficiency than rigid devices. • Distribution of PTO cables and plate flexural rigidity significantly affect plate dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]