Abstract:
The netting system is a key component of truss-type aquaculture cages, which maintains the rearing volume and prevents fish escape. However, under the harsh environmental conditions of offshore aquaculture, the structural safety of netting systems subjected to sustained current loading remains a major concern. In this study, a finite-element model of the netting system was established. Hydrodynamic loads derived from the Morison equation were applied to the netting system to investigate its responses under different current velocities, inflow angles, and draft depths. The results show that increasing current velocity significantly increases drag force and deformation of the netting system. At a current velocity of 1.0 m·s
−1, the volume loss ratio reached 26.87%. As the inflow angle increased, the drag force and horizontal displacement of the bottom-center node increased, whereas the vertical displacement decreased. The peak nodal displacement and maximum stress appeared at inflow angle of 10° and 20°, respectively. The maximum volume loss ratio appeared at an inflow angle of 45°, reaching 29.70%. As the draft depth decreased from 6.5 m to 2.5 m, both drag force and deformation were significantly reduced, and the volume loss ratio decreased from 29.70% to 14.18%. Maximum stress was concentrated in the boundary rope attachment regions and at the connections between the net twines and ropes. Local stress concentrations were also observed in netting regions perpendicular to the current direction.