Fishing net should have enough strength to withstand the loading due to current and stormy waves and avoid fishing escape. Differing from other structures made from rigid materials, the intrinsically flexible nets undergo large deformation under external and internal forces. In addition, the length of netting twine undergoes extensional deformation as a result of various loads during fishing operation. The aim of this paper is to investigate the shape and tension distribution of fishing nets in current only. Herein, a numerical model is developed, based on lumped mass method. The fishing net can be modeled as a series of lumped point mass that are interconnected with springs without mass. Lumped point mass are set at each knot and at the center of the mesh bar. We can estimate net shape and tension distribution by calculating the displacements of these point masses under boundary and current conditions. According to our simulated results, the tension distribution in plane and cage net is demonstrated by images and positions where maximum of tension occurs are pointed out for the reference of practical application.
As wild fish stocks decline, marine aquaculture is expected to play an increasing role in satisfying the global need for seafood. Since the expansion of near-shore aquaculture is becoming more difficult because of multi-use issues and environmental impact concerns, the feasibility of moving aquaculture into the open ocean is being studied. Fishing net is an important component part of net cage applied widely in open ocean aquaculture, which takes part in holding breed space. Fishing net should have enough intensity to withstand the attack of current and stormy waves to avoid fishing escape.
Fishing nets are mainly composed of supple netting and ropes. Differing from other structures made from rigid materials.
