[1] SUN Zhenlian, NIE Xinxin, WANG Ying,. Application and performance evaluation of prestressed cable-stayed systems in large-scale offshore recovery towers [J]. Journal of Southeast University (English Edition), 2026, 42 (2): 187-197. [doi:10.3969/j.issn.1003-7985.2026.02.005]

Copy

Application and performance evaluation of prestressed cable-stayed systems in large-scale offshore recovery towers()

预应力索撑体系在大型海上回收塔架中的应用与性能评估

Journal of Southeast University (English Edition)[ISSN:1003-7985/CN:32-1325/N]

Volumn:

42

Issue:

2026 2

Page:

187-197

Research Field:

Publishing date:

2026-05-29

Info

Title:

Application and performance evaluation of prestressed cable-stayed systems in large-scale offshore recovery towers

预应力索撑体系在大型海上回收塔架中的应用与性能评估

Author(s):

SUN Zhenlian¹, NIE Xinxin², WANG Ying²

1.Beijing Institute of Aerospace Launch Technology, Beijing 100076, China
2.Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Mechanical Analysis for Infrastructure and Advanced Equipment, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China

孙振莲¹, 聂鑫鑫², 王莹²

1.北京航天发射技术研究所, 北京 100076
2.东南大学江苏省基础设施与先进装备力学分析重点实验室, 南京 211189

Keywords:

offshore rocket recovery tower;  prestressed cable-stayed system;  nonlinear step-by-step inheritance algorithm;  mechanical performance evaluation;  refined joint simulation

海上火箭回收塔架;  预应力索撑体系;  非线性分步继承算法;  力学性能评估;  节点精细化模拟

PACS:

TU394

DOI:

10.3969/j.issn.1003-7985.2026.02.005

Abstract:

The offshore rocket recovery tower is an essential infrastructure for reusable space transportation. To address the lack of design methods and quantitative performance evaluation approaches for prestressed cable-stayed bracing systems under asymmetric and complex loading, this study develops an asymmetric two-stage prestressed cable-stayed bracing system for a large-scale offshore recovery tower with a height of 67 m and plan dimensions of 54 m × 70 m. Dual-platform finite element models were established in MIDAS Gen and SAP2000, and 292 full-condition load combinations were analyzed using a nonlinear step-by-step inheritance algorithm. In parallel, a refined Abaqus solid model was employed to verify the core load-bearing joint locally. Prestressing reduced the maximum X-direction deformation under transportation conditions from 263.2 to 222.1 mm, yielding safety margins of 14.6% and 17.5% in the X- and Y-directions, respectively. The stresses in the main structural members were markedly improved—the Q460 truss and beam elements satisfied the allowable-stress limits, whereas the Q355 truss elements remained only slightly above the limit. The local maximum von Mises stress at the inner pulley block joint reached 891.9 MPa, indicating a risk of local yielding. These results demonstrate that the asymmetric prestressed cable-stayed bracing system can effectively enhance the global stiffness and force-transfer performance of large-scale offshore recovery towers, and that the full-process analytical framework established in this study provides a theoretical basis and engineering reference for the design and performance evaluation of analogous offshore aerospace support structures.

海上火箭回收塔架是可重复使用航天运输的重要基础设施。针对现有研究缺乏面向非对称复杂受力特征的预应力索撑体系设计方法及量化性能评估方法的问题,以高67 m、跨度54 m × 70 m的大型海上回收塔架为对象,构建了非对称两级预应力索撑协同体系。基于MIDAS Gen与SAP2000建立双平台有限元模型,并结合非线性分步继承算法,完成292种全工况组合分析;同时针对核心受力节点,采用Abaqus建立实体精细化模型开展局部复核。结果表明:施加预应力后,运输工况下结构X向最大变形由263.2 mm降至222.1 mm,X向与Y向安全裕度分别达到14.6%和17.5%;主体构件应力整体得到明显改善,其中Q460桁架单元及梁单元满足容许应力限值,Q355桁架单元仅略超限;内滑轮组节点局部最大von Mises应力为891.9 MPa,存在局部屈服风险。研究结果表明,非对称预应力索撑体系可有效改善大型海上回收塔架的整体刚度与受力性能,所建立的全流程分析方法可为同类海上航天支撑结构的设计与性能评估提供理论依据与工程参考。

References:

[1]DE ZAIACOMO G, BLANCO ARNAO G, BUNT R, et al. Mission engineering for the RETALT VTVL launcher[J]. CEAS Space Journal, 2022, 14(3): 533-549.
[2]FAN C X, HE W, ZHAO Y, et al. Adaptive load optimization and precision control scheme for vertical landing rockets with sparse sensing data[J]. Aerospace, 2026, 13(3): 255.
[3]YOU G Y, YANG M M. A two-stage successive convexification method for the powered descent guidance problem[J]. Scientia Sinica Mathematica, 2020, 50(9): 1361.
[4]ZHAO Y, LI C, YU Y N, et al. Review of rocket return and landing guidance methods[J]. Electronics Optics & Control, 2025, 32(2): 45-53. (in Chinese)
[5]XU D L, GUO S, XU X L, et al. Design and analysis of a delta-type rocket recovery mechanism based on an annular cushioning moving platform[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2025, 61(21): 168-178. (in Chinese)
[6]ZHANG H, ZHANG C, SONG X D. Design and analysis of buffer device of cable system for reusable rocket recovery and landing[J]. Journal of Astronautics, 2022, 43(9): 1152-1162. (in Chinese)
[7]ASHISH P U, CHANDRASEKARAN S, SERINO G. Parametric study on the deep ocean space-rocket launching triceratops[J]. Ocean Engineering, 2024, 295: 116946.
[8]PANG F Z, QIN Y X, TANG Y, et al. Experimental study on impact response of seaborne rocket launch platform[J]. Ocean Engineering, 2023, 280: 114623.
[9]WANG D, SHAO J S, CAO N, et al. Safety assessment of framed hot launch departure for sea-based rockets in rough sea conditions[J]. Defence Technology, 2025, 50: 83-100.
[10]ADEGBULUGBE O, JUNG S, KAMPMANN R. Impact behavior of prestressed concrete piles with glass FRP spirals: Experimental and finite-element analysis[J]. Journal of Composites for Construction, 2024, 28(5): 04024049.
[11]LI L, YANG C Y, LI J P. Corrosion initiation life of laterally loaded PHC pipe piles served in marine environment: Theoretical prediction and analysis[J]. Construction and Building Materials, 2021, 293: 123457.
[12]JIN K Y, ZHOU X H, HU C, et al. Tensile-compressive hysteresis performance of prestressed CFDST columns for offshore wind turbine structures[J]. Ocean Engineering, 2026, 344: 123464.
[13]LI Z Y, XU B, YUAN G K. Optimization for offshore prestressed concrete-steel hybrid wind turbine support structure with pile foundation using a parallel modified particle swarm algorithm[J]. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2024, 12(5): 826.
[14]ZHOU Z, ZHOU X H. Mechanical behavior of prestressed UHPC wind turbine tower columns under combined axial compression and bending[J]. Structural Concrete, 2025, 26(1): 465-480.
[15]FANG Z, ZHU Y. Analysis of wind-induced effects and vibration control of a cable-supported bridge with a steel truss girder in strong marine wind environments[J]. Applied Sciencess, 2025, 15(22): 11950.
[16]WANG P X, FANG G S, GE Y J. Practical estimation formulas and evolution law for natural frequencies of two-cable-supported flexible photovoltaic supports[J/OL]. Journal of Southeast University (Natural Science Edition), 2026[2026-02-05]. https: //link. cnki. net/urlid/32. 1178. N. 20260205. 1458. 004. (in Chinese)
[17]WANG H, LIU G, SHEN R L. Calculation method for girder-end longitudinal movement of long-span railway suspension bridges under train loads[J/OL]. Journal of Southeast University (Natural Science Edition), 2026[2026-02-02]. https: //link. cnki. net/urlid/32. 1178. N. 20260202. 1147. 002. (in Chinese)

Memo

Memo:

Received: 2026-03-05; Revised: 2026-04-19.
Biographies: SUN Zhenlian (1987—), female, master, senior engineer; WANG Ying (corresponding author), female, doctor, professor, civil_wangying@seu.edu.cn.
Foundation item: The National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.52578356).
Citation: SUN Zhenlian, NIE Xinxin, WANG Ying. Application and performance evaluation of prestressed cable-stayed systems in large-scale offshore recovery towers[J]. Journal of Southeast University (English Edition), 2026, 42(2): 187-197. DOI: 10. 3969/j. issn. 1003-7985. 2026. 02. 005.

Common functions