Discover the people behind FLOATFARM in our interview series!
Meet Kris Hectors from Ghent University with 5 questions and answers about the project goals, challenges and expected impact.
Could you briefly introduce Ghent University and its role within FLOATFARM?
Our research group, Laboratory Soete at Ghent University (UGent), is a partner in the FLOATFARM consortium. Our primary focus is on the fracture and fatigue of metals, but we are also active in various research areas related to the structural integrity of critical components across many applications. Within the FLOATFARM project, we focus on the development of numerical tools for assessing the structural integrity of offshore structures subjected to complex loading conditions. The team representing Laboratory Soete in FLOATFARM consists of Dr. Songhan Zhang, Prof. Wim De Waele, and me.
Could you briefly explain the work done by UGent since the start of the project?
Universiteit Gent’s contribution to the FLOATFARM project is centered on ensuring the structural integrity and optimization of Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (FOWT) substructures, primarily through the leadership of Task 2.1 regarding high-fidelity structural modelling. The team is responsible for developing advanced tools to identify fatigue-critical locations within FOWT structures, addressing the industry’s need for higher accuracy than what is currently offered by standard beam-element models combined with standardized stress concentration factor formulas, which have been shown to be non-conservative for complex loading which is characteristic for FOWTs.
To achieve this, UGent developed “HFJOINT,” a novel, high-fidelity numerical modelling tool designed specifically for the stress concentration factor analysis of welded tubular joints. This tool utilizes a structured mesh strategy based on 27-node completely quadratic hexahedron elements, which allows for high precision in capturing the steep stress gradients found near welds. The software features an automatic 3D tubular joint mesh generator that accounts for specific geometrical characteristics, such as wall thickness, intersection angles, and complex weld geometries generated in accordance with AWS standards. The primary function of this tool is to calculate hot-spot stresses (HSS) along the weld circumference using linear extrapolation, which are critical metrics for the accurate fatigue life prediction of the tubular joints that form the structural backbone of FOWT substructures. Consistent with the project’s goal of creating efficient design tools, HFJOINT offers a semi-automatic, user-friendly workflow that manages mesh generation, load mapping from beam element models to the generated solid element models, and post-processing with limited manual interaction.
Furthermore, this development is designed to integrate seamlessly with the broader project framework by interfacing with the QBlade simulation suite. The tools developed by UGent allow for the extraction of interface loads (forces and moments) from unsteady aero-hydro-elastic simulations within QBlade to perform detailed finite element analysis of fatigue critical joints. This integration is essential for the holistic optimization of platform architectures in Task 2.5, ultimately aiming to reduce material usage while maintaining safety against fatigue and extreme loads.
What do you expect to achieve in 2026?
Our main contribution to the project was planned during the first 15 months, and thus our role will shift to a more passive support role. In 2026,we will assist with the practical application of our tool, HFJOINT, for the holistic design and optimization of floating wind turbine substructures. We aim to fully integrate our sectional finite element method tool into the project’s Multidisciplinary Design, Analysis, and Optimization (MDAO) framework, coupling it with the QBlade simulation suite to automate the extraction of interface loads during unsteady aero-hydro-elastic simulations. This integration will enable us to perform detailed hot-spot stress analyses on critical joints within the optimization loop, ultimately driving design improvements that reduce material usage and costs while ensuring structural integrity against fatigue and extreme loads.
From a research perspective, what’s the advantage of being part of a European project like FLOATFARM?
Participating in FLOATFARM allows UGent to integrate its high-fidelity structural modelling tools into a broader, industry-targeted design framework. Despite our focused role, this project significantly expands our network through close collaboration with European research institutes like TU Berlin and DTU, as well as major industrial players like Saipem. This not only enhances the visibility and applicability of our research outputs but also positions UGent strategically for future projects within the offshore wind sector on a European level.
Why have you decided to join the consortium?
I met Joe in 2022 at WindEnergy Hamburg, where TUB was promoting their ongoing project, Floatech. During our conversation about mutual interests, Joe mentioned that they were planning the FLOATFARM proposal at that time. After several discussions, we discovered a strong mutual interest and were invited to join the consortium.
