Rigid finite element method in applications to dynamic optimization of motion of a riser in reentry

Overloading of a riser, with possible subsequent damage, can be caused when the bottom end of the suspended riser encounters an obstacle during its relocation realized in reentry. Such collisions can be avoided by appropriate horizontal and vertical displacements of the riser, which can be realized by planning the motion of the base or use of Heave Compensation Systems − HCS. Simulation tasks concerned with this problem can be solved by use of numerically effective models of a riser's dynamics and optimization methods. The model of dynamics of a riser presented in this paper and formulated by means of the rigid finite element method (RFEM) is validated against experimental measurements and calculation results presented by other researchers. Due to its very good numerical effectiveness, the model is then applied to the solution of two optimization problems. The first optimization task consists in choosing the horizontal displacements of the upper end of the riser so that the bottom end of the riser is positioned as closely as possible to the final position with reduced vibrations at the end of the base motion. In the second task the upper end of the riser is moved vertically in such a way that the bottom end of the riser stays at a safe distance from an obstacle during riser relocation. The results of optimization simulations for a number of cases are presented and discussed.