Stress analysis in the buried polyethylene pipes with viscoelastic behavior: a finite element study

• Published in: Discover applied sciences 2024-11, Vol.6 (11), p.616-16, Article 616
• Main Authors: Shishesaz, Mohammad, Gatea, Aseel Hussein, Moradi, Shapour, Yaghoubi, Saeed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied and Technical Physics; Axial stress; Buried gas pipes; Buried pipes; Buried structures; Chemistry/Food Science; Design; Earth Sciences; Electrofusion; Electrofusion socket joints; Engineering; Environment; Finite element method; Gas pipelines; Gas pipes; Hot climates; Impact strength; Materials Science; Mathematical models; Mechanical properties; Pipes; Polyethylene; Polyethylenes; Simulation; Sockets; Soil mechanics; Soil stresses; Stress analysis; Stress distribution; Temperature; Viscoelasticity; Von Mises stress
• ISSN: 3004-9261; 2523-3963; 3004-9261; 2523-3971
• DOI: 10.1007/s42452-024-06331-0

In the current study, the stress distribution in the pipe with viscoelastic behavior in presence of different loading conditions has been investigated. In order to connect the polyethylene (PE) gas pipes, the electrofusion sockets are used. Since joints are one of the most sensitive regions of a structure, it is very important to investigate the local stresses created at the joints of PE pipes. To study the stress changes in the buried pipelines and sockets, the numerical simulation of the problem has been carried out in ANSYS software. To validate the obtained numerical findings, the maximum values of the axial and von Mises stresses in the pipe and socket were compared with the values obtained from previous research, and an acceptable overlap was achieved. In this research, the stress distribution in the PE pipes buried in the soil with and without sockets in presence of thermo-mechanical load has been studied, comprehensively. In the finite element modelling, the pipe and socket are made of PE80 and PE100 materials, respectively. The research results showed that the electrofusion sockets are able to be employed to connect PE gas pipes in hot climate regions. Additionally, the outcomes obtained from viscoelastic socket and pipes compared with the isotropic pipe. The findings demonstrated that the maximum von Misses stress in viscoelastic pipe and socket reduces 21% in comparison with linear elastic state. Article Highlights Induced stress components are created more in PE100 socket compared to PE80 pipe. The maximum von Mises stresses in the pipe and socket are in the safe zone for 50 years. A significant reduction in von Mises stress (about 21%) occurs in the viscoelastic state compared to the elastic case.