SINTEF's area of expertise includes knowledge about how to detect loads on and movements of marine structures, forces on containment and anchoring systems, as well as knowledge about suitable structural materials. The field of expertise is not limited to conventional net-pen structures, but also includes closed and semi-closed solutions, as well as kelp facilities/vessels and large steel structures for use at exposed locations.
SINTEF has trial facilities and infrastructure that enable the testing and verification of various marine structures and components under different environmental conditions.
- Flume tank in Hirtshals, Denmark
- The Ocean Laboratory at Tyholt
- ACE – full-scale aquaculture laboratory
In addition, SINTEF has developed its own software called FhSim. This software is able to simulate and visualise the effects of various environmental forces on aquaculture facilities. Employee expertise in robust structures includes knowledge about:
- The physical properties of the structures and how environmental loads affect and are affected by the structures
- Mooring dynamics and anchoring
- Numerical analyses of aquaculture facilities, including deformation and loads
- Numerical simulations of fish behaviour
- Net structures and materials, as well as their physical properties and response as a result of environmental loads
- Digital twinning
- Hydroelasticity
- ABAQUS