Dynamic simulation of a fish cage system subjected to currents and waves

This paper presents a mathematical model and describes a simulation method for analyzing the performance of a fish cage system with a floating collar influenced by currents and waves. The cage system was modeled on the mass-spring model. The structure was divided into finite elements, mass points were placed at the mid-point of each element, and the mass points were connected by springs without mass. Water tank experiments using plane nets and model cages were conducted to improve the accuracy of the model, and the data obtained were used in the simulation. The computation method was applied to the dynamic simulation of the behavior of the actual cage to evaluate its practical utility. Computer-based simulation provides a method to quantitatively analyze the environmental forces acting on fish cage systems and thereby provides valuable information necessary for designing an optimal structure. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.