Creep analysis of adhesively bonded connections in GRE pipes including the effect of defects

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Applied science and manufacturing, 2000-01, Vol.31 (6), p.583-590
• Main Authors: Knox, E.M., Cowling, M.J., Hashim, S.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A. Polymer–matrix composites; Applied sciences; B. Creep; B. Defects; C. Finite element analysis; Composites; Crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products; D. Mechanical testing; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fuels; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Transportation and distribution of crude oils and liquid petroleum products. Ships. Pipelines. Terminals. Service stations
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/S1359-835X(99)00093-7

The aim of this research was to determine the behaviour of bonded polymer composite pipe fabrications when subjected to creep loading arising from axial and bending forces typically present in pipework systems. An extensive experimental programme was undertaken and supported by detailed finite element (f.e.) modelling of bonded pipe joints, with and without axisymmetric debond defects. The basic form of Findley's Power Law [Findley WN. Combined stress creep of non-linear viscoelastic material. In: Smith AI, Nicolson AM, editors. Advances in creep design. London: Applied Science Publication, 1971. chap. 14.] was used to model the viscoelastic behaviour of the materials. As a result of the experimental and numerical work it was possible to predict the long-term creep performance of bonded composite pipe joints. A study of the effects of defects within the adhesive layer demonstrated the extreme defect tolerance of the bonded pipe connections.