An Investigation of a Deployed Submerged Grid Mooring System

The University of New Hampshire has a submerged four grid mooring system off the coast of New Hampshire. To better understand the deployed grid system, a finite element model was built and field measurements of static tensions were taken. The purpose of the finite element model was to better understand the sensitivity of the system to anchor placement. An individual anchor was moved around the designed deployment location to better understand the grid tensions distribution. To take field measurements in the submerged system, a diver deployable instrument was designed. Field measurements reflect upon the accuracy of anchor placement and the effectiveness of the grid.