Numerical simulation of the effects of structure size ratio and mesh type on three-dimensional deformation of the fishing-net gravity cage in current

In our previous research, the hydrodynamic behavior of a two-dimensional (2D) plane fishing net in current was simulated. Based on the research, a model of a three-dimensional (3D) net is established by using the lumped mass method. To verify the validity of the numerical model, model test results by other authors are cited and compared with the numerical results. The simulated results are in good agreement with experimental ones. In this paper, the 3D net model is applied to investigate the effects of structure size ratio (RDH) and mesh type on the 3D net deformation of the gravity cage in current. The numerical results indicate that the decrease of RDH is practically feasible in improving the cage net deformation. With a sinker system the net deformation with diamond mesh is greater than that with square mesh. When the bottom-collar sinker system is applied, with an increase in current velocity, the net deformation with diamond mesh is less than with square mesh. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the hydrodynamic behavior of the gravity cage.