Date of Award
Summer 8-4-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
August 2026
Department
Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
College Granting Degree
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Department Granting Degree
Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Degree Name
Professional Master of Science
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Pierre-Philippe Beaujean
Abstract
This study experimentally investigates the mechanical and viscoelastic behavior of a steel-cord-reinforced polyurethane synchronous belt capable of withstanding continuous cyclic loading as a potential compliant mooring element for WEC applications. Quasi-static and cyclic tensile tests were conducted to characterize the belt's mechanical response. The quasi-static determined that the belt behaved as a stiff, low-strain tensile member. Under approximately 100 kgf, the belt extended by about 0.107mm over a 250mm gauge length, apparent tensile modulus of 5.41GPa, an axial rigidity of 2.44MN, and an equivalent line stiffness of 9.75MN/m. Cyclic tensile testing showed high dynamic stiffness with stiffness-transfer ratio of 0.924. In addition, A laboratory wave-tank system was then developed to evaluate the belt under wave-induced loading. Time-domain and spectral analyses showed that the dominant wave frequencies were consistently transmitted into the belt loading response.
Recommended Citation
Mohamed, Youssef, "EXPERIMENTAL MATERIAL ANALYSIS AND LOAD MONITORING OF POLYURETHANE–STEEL BELTS SUBJECTED TO STATIC AND CYCLIC DYNAMIC LOADING: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONTINUOUS MOORING LINE SYSTEMS IN WAVE ENERGY CONVERTERS" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 361.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/361