A new coupled fluid–structure modeling methodology for running ductile fracture

• Published in: Computers & structures 2012-03, Vol.94-95, p.13-21
• Main Authors: Nordhagen, H.O., Kragset, S., Berstad, T., Morin, A., Dørum, C., Munkejord, S.T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; CFD; Computer simulation; Ductile fracture; Exact sciences and technology; FEM; Flows in ducts, channels, nozzles, and conduits; Fluid dynamics; Fluid–structure; Fracture; Fracture mechanics; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Leak; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Mathematics; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Methods of scientific computing (including symbolic computation, algebraic computation); Numerical analysis. Scientific computation; Physics; Pipe; Pipeline; Pipelines; Running; Sciences and techniques of general use; Solid mechanics; Steel design; Steel tanks and pressure vessels; boiler manufacturing; Structural and continuum mechanics
• ISSN: 0045-7949; 1879-2243
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruc.2012.01.004

► Development of coupled fluid–structure modeling methodology for running ductile fracture. ► Fracture propagation has been modeled using the finite-element method. ► The finite-volume method has been employed to simulate the fluid flow inside the pipe. ► Choked-flow theory was used for calculating the flow through the pipe crack. ► A comparison to full-scale tests has been done, giving very promising results. A coupled fluid–structure modeling methodology for running ductile fracture in pressurized pipelines has been developed. The pipe material and fracture propagation have been modeled using the finite-element method with a ductile fracture criterion. The finite-volume method has been employed to simulate the fluid flow inside the pipe, and the resulting pressure profile was applied as a load in the finite-element model. Choked-flow theory was used for calculating the flow through the pipe crack. A comparison to full-scale tests of running ductile fracture in steel pipelines pressurized with hydrogen and with methane has been done, and very promising results have been obtained.