Finite element modelling and theoretical analysis of flexible risers subjected to installation/crushing loads

To install flexible risers in offshore oil & gas fields, tensioner equipment is employed to apply compression loads to hold and descend the riser to the seabed for connection with subsea equipment. However, when compression loads are higher enough, they can collapse the flexible pipe leading to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ocean engineering 2023-03, Vol.272, p.113856, Article 113856
Main Authors: Dionicio-Bravo, Sergio, Cuamatzi-Meléndez, Rubén, Ruiz-Mendoza, Adán, Juárez-López, Fernando
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Finite element modelling
Flexible riser
Installation loads
Strain
Stresses
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Summary:To install flexible risers in offshore oil & gas fields, tensioner equipment is employed to apply compression loads to hold and descend the riser to the seabed for connection with subsea equipment. However, when compression loads are higher enough, they can collapse the flexible pipe leading to the necessity to replace the riser. Therefore, in the present work, a modelling technique to obtain and evaluate the suitable and critical loads to be applied to avoid failure in flexible risers during the installation process in offshore fields and the resulting stresses and strains is presented. The modelling methodology incorporated non-linear plastic properties of steel layers of the flexible pipe, and the complex contact conditions between structural and polymeric layers in finite element models of a section of a flexible pipe. A theoretical model was also developed in order to compare finite element results vs analytical modelling results, providing the von Mises stress and strain fields at different load steps. The present modelling strategy was also used to evaluate the maximum displacement to be applied by the tensioner to flexible risers in order to maintain structural integrity, and failure mechanisms in flexible risers subjected to crushing loads. •This paper presents a methodology to predict damage/failure in flexible risers subjected to installation/crushing loads.•The methodology contributes to specify the loads that must be applied to flexible risers for their installation.•Analytical and finite element analyses provide a better understanding of damage and failure in flexible risers.•Finite element modelling and theoretical analyses were verified with experimental data.
ISSN:0029-8018
DOI:10.1016/j.oceaneng.2023.113856