First fatigue test in mechanical test bench of offshore foundation node 

18 November 2016

The consortium is fatigue testing an offshore foundation node to examine advances in weld fatigue strength. The joint industry research project is between Siemens Wind Power A/S, Bladt Industries A/S, and FORCE Technology with partial funding from the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP) of the Danish Energy Agency. 

The mechanical test bench has a 20 m x 9 m strong floor with a 4 m high strong wall on 2 sides. The strong floor and walls have fixing points on a 1 m x 1 m grid to provide flexibility for varied testing requirements.  Customized high-pressure hydraulics are optimized for efficient high load applications, with a multi-channel controller for complex loading setups.

Finally, an integrated data acquisition system is capable of tracking and recording a multitude of various sensors and signal types.  

Testing of the jacket node will be finalized by year’s end and the test bench and its systems will be run-in and ready for all testing needs.      

Supports the offshore and heavy industries with large testing facilities

Lindø Component and Structure Testing A/S is a newly established joint venture of FORCE Technology and the Lindø Offshore Renewables Center (LORC) to support the offshore and heavy industries with unique testing infrastructure. Located at one facility are a strong floor mechanical testing facility and a 900 m3 climatic chamber.

Both partners have combined their strengths to establish these world class research and testing facilities at Odense Port in Munkebo, Denmark. LORC is a targeted supplier to the offshore wind industry with extensive experience owning and operating one of the largest nacelle testing centres in the world.

To service the industry and operate the test facilities FORCE Technology is leveraging its extensive experience in subjects as metallurgy, mechanical failure, corrosion mechanisms, welding, material tests, and non-destructive testing.