At IRDL, Yannick Argouarc'H has developed a three-dimensional measurement method to assess the wear of marine anchor chains.
Yannick Argouarc'H, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2025 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences pour l'ingénieur et le numérique.
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Research on the wear and corrosion of marine anchor chains is becoming increasingly relevant, especially in a context where maritime infrastructures are aging and facing increasingly difficult environmental conditions. Anchor chains, essential for the stability of ships and offshore structures, are subjected to constant mechanical forces and chemical aggressions. In this context, the study conducted by Yannick Argouarc'H at the Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne focuses on the use of 3D scanners to measure these phenomena, an approach that could revolutionize the way we monitor the integrity of these critical equipment.
This innovative method not only allows for the localization of material loss but also provides a better understanding of degradation mechanisms by offering a three-dimensional view of the damage. For example, by regularly scanning the anchor chains, it becomes possible to identify specific areas where wear is more pronounced, which could be due to factors such as prolonged exposure to marine currents or corrosive agents present in seawater. By integrating this data into a predictive model, infrastructure managers can anticipate failures and plan targeted maintenance interventions.
The innovation lies in the development of a point cloud alignment algorithm specifically adapted to the particularities of anchor chains. Classical image processing algorithms are insufficient as they do not take into account the specifics of the scans obtained, which can vary depending on the angle of capture or lighting conditions. Using the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) method, it is possible to align scans of aged meshes with those of new meshes, thus providing increased accuracy in assessing the condition of the chains. This precision is crucial as it allows for the objective quantification of wear and informed decisions regarding the necessity to replace or repair the equipment.
Preliminary results show good convergence of the alignment process on perfect meshes and sufficient accuracy on real scans, provided that the assumption of generalized corrosion is validated. This opens up prospects for more in-depth studies on the aging of anchor chains and other mechanical parts subjected to similar conditions. For example, this method could also be applied to the assessment of underwater structures, such as pipelines or offshore wind turbine foundations, which are also exposed to corrosive environments.
This research has significant implications for the maintenance of maritime infrastructures. By improving monitoring and assessment methods for aging structures, it could help prevent costly maritime accidents and extend the lifespan of equipment. Decision-makers must therefore take these advancements into account to enhance maritime safety and optimize maintenance costs. Indeed, proactive maintenance, based on accurate and reliable data, can reduce long-term costs by avoiding emergency repairs that are often very expensive.
In summary, Yannick Argouarc'H's study is not limited to a simple technical advancement. It raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of maritime infrastructures and how we can better manage marine resources. Research in this area is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of maritime operations in the future. In a context where Benin and other West African countries are seeking to develop their maritime capabilities, it is crucial to integrate advanced technologies like these to ensure sustainable and secure management of marine resources. Ultimately, the future of navigation and maritime infrastructures will depend on our ability to innovate and adapt to the challenges posed by a constantly evolving environment.
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Sources et accès
Yannick Argouarc'H. Développement d'une méthode de mesure tridimensionnelle pour l’identification de l'usure de contact et de la corrosion généralisée de mailles de chaines d'ancrage vieillies en milieu marin. Sciences de l'ingénieur [physics]. École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025ESTA0012⟩. ⟨tel-05583914⟩