A plate structure attached to the shaft to absorb kinetic energy of approaching waves is main device of a floating wave power generating system. In this paper we investigate structural safety of the associated plate in relevant environmental loadings. We performed structural analysis and redesigned to obtain proper strength value for a plate structure member. Finite Element Modeling and analysis of the plate member are presented in this paper using ANSYS Code. Modal analysis is also carried out to figure out the possibility of the resonance of the structure with the incoming wave, resulting in no resonance occurrence. We have found that the analysis results are sensitive to changes in relevant boundary conditions in the modeling process, and that the reinforced plate structure gives more sound structural safety. Also the results show that both suggested plate structures are acceptable in the given loading conditions.

finite element modeling, wave power generating device, von Mises stress.