Axisymmetric structural behaviours of composite tensile armoured flexible pipes

To address the weight and corrosion challenge in deep-water, replacing the steel tensile armour in flexible pipes with composite materials is an alternative conceptual approach. An axisymmetric structural responses model is built for this novel composite armoured flexible pipe, with interlayer gaps that may occur in the unbonded structure considered through an iterative algorithm. The tensile strength of steel and composite armoured pipes are predicted based on different constitutive relations of steel and composite. Essential quantities are obtained, such as tensile stiffness, deformations of each layer and interlayer gaps or contact pressures. Considering the helix form of carcass and pressure armour, a finite element model is established for the verification of the theoretical model. Case study shows that the tensile stiffness of flexible pipe is overestimated with the interlayer gap ignored. Compared with steel armoured flexible pipe, the composite armoured pipe, whose tensile stiffness decreases less as external pressure increases, meanwhile has higher values of tensile ultimate strength and torsion stiffness. Some suggestions about fiber types and volume fraction for composite tensile strips are given to ensure good performance of axial tensile strength and stiffness.     

A finite element methodology for birdcaging analysis of flexible pipes with damaged outer layers

Flexible pipes are commonly exposed to damages on the outer layers due to abrasion with seafloor or improper installation and operation, which may render them vulnerable to birdcaging failures. This paper presents a finite element model for the residual axial compressive strength evaluation of a flexible pipe with local damage on the outer layers. The elastoplastic nonlinearity of tensile armour steel layers and hyperelasticity of polymeric outer sheath are taken into account. This model is verified against existing test data. Parametric studies are then performed by varying the damage size in either the pipe axial or circumferential directions. The flexible pipe axial resistance, deformations, as well as the tensile armour wires layers stress states near the damaged section under different damage and axial compression conditions are discussed. The case studies show that damage on the outer layer, especially the anti-birdcage tape layer, is highly detrimental to flexible pipe residual strength against axial compression. The present results and discussions are instructive in understanding the flexible pipe birdcaging mechanism.     

Stress and failure analyses of thermoplastic composite pipes subjected to torsion and thermomechanical loading

The interest of using thermoplastic composite pipes has increased in offshore deepwater oil fields. Thermoplastic composite pipes consist of several carbon/glass fiber reinforced laminate layers to confer stiffness and strength located between inner and outer homogeneous thermoplastic layers for fluid containment and protection. This paper presents a theoretical analysis for thermoplastic composite pipes under combined pure torsion and thermomechanical loading from operational thermal gradients, considering the inner and outer isotropic homogeneous layers and intermediate transversely isotropic laminate ply layers. Perfect bond between adjacent layers and interfaces continuities are assumed. Based on the obtained stresses in the principal material directions, through-thickness failure indexes related to the von Mises and Maximum Stress or Tsai-Hill criteria are respectively evaluated for homogeneous and laminate layers. For each thermal gradient, the limit torque (i.e. when the failure index is equal to 1) is calculated. From the case study, it is observed that without thermal loading or for small operational temperature, failure occurs in the laminate, otherwise it is observed in the inner homogeneous layer. The thickness of the homogeneous layer significantly affects the limit torque and the absolute values of the limit clockwise and anticlockwise torque slightly differ when the operational temperature is included.     

A finite element model for unbonded flexible pipe under combined axisymmetric and bending loads

Flexible pipes are key equipment for offshore oil and gas production systems, conveying fluids between the platform and subsea wells. The structural arrangement of unbonded flexible pipes is quite complex, encompassing several layers with polymeric, metallic and textile materials. Different topologies and a large amount of intricate nonlinear contact interactions between and within their components, especially because of the relative stick-slip mechanism during bending, makes numerical analysis challenging. This paper presents an alternative three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model that describes the response of flexible pipes subjected to combined axisymmetric and bending loads. To simulate the response of a flexible pipe under axial tension or compression combined with uniform curvature, an equivalent thermal loading is employed on the external sheath, which is modelled as an orthotropic thermal expansion material with temperature-independent mechanical properties. To assess the feasibility of the proposed model, the bending moment versus curvature of the finite element solution is compared with experimental results obtained in literature and good agreements are found between them. Detailed finite element results such as contact pressures, armour wire slip displacements and friction, normal and transverse bending stresses are also shown and compared with available analytical models.     

Predicting the wet collapse pressure for flexible risers with initial ovalization and gap: An analytical solution

As offshore hydrocarbon production moves towards ultra-deep water, flexible risers have to withstand the huge hydro-static pressure without collapse. They are designed with strong collapse capacities, allowing them to operate under the condition where their annuli are flooded by the seawater. However, initial imperfections can weaken the collapse capacity under such a flooded condition, triggering the so-called “wet collapse”. Two common initial imperfections, the carcass ovality and the radial gap between the carcass and pressure armor, would reduce the collapse strength of flexible risers significantly. Mostly, collapse analyses are performed through numerical simulations, which are less feasible for the design stage of flexible risers comparing with analytical models. To date, there are few analytical models available in public literature to predict the wet collapse pressure of flexible risers accounting for initial ovality and gap. To meet this demand, an analytical model is established in this paper to address these issues. This model is developed as a spring-supported arch, solving the collapse pressure with stability theories of ring and arched structures. This analytical model is verified by numerical simulations, which gives prediction results that correlate well with the numerical ones.     

Local structural response to seakeeping and slamming loads

A common approach to investigate the response of a structural detail such as a hatch corner is to compute the seakeeping loads using a linear 3D Boundary Element Method (BEM) and transfer the seakeeping loads to a Finite Element (FE) model of the ship structure. This approach is suitable for computations of the fatigue loading of structural details near amidships because a majority of the fatigue loading will occur in mild sea-states where the loading may be assumed linear. However, the linear seakeeping model may not hold when one investigates the ultimate response of the local bow structure of a ship which is designed to remain operational in severe conditions, for example, a frigate. A linear seakeeping analysis will significantly underpredict the loading at the bow because both the impulsive slamming loads and the non-linearities in the non-impulsive wave loads will contribute significant to the structural loading.The non-linear loads require one to first derive a short-term distribution of the local structural response before the ultimate value of the response can be derived. A method to compute the short-term distribution of a structural detail is presented in this paper. The first step is to perform seakeeping analyses which includes slamming, non-linear Froude-Kryloff and hydrostatic loads. The short-term distribution of the total hydrodynamic loading at the structural detail is obtained by simulating the seakeeping response for several hours. The response of the local structure is computed for the most severe impacts found in the seakeeping simulation. The hydrodynamic loading, including the non-linear contributions, is transfer to the structural model and the structural response is computed using the FE-method. The results of the structural analyses allow one to transform the short-term distribution of the structural loading to a short-term distribution of the response of the structural detail. A designer can obtain the ultimate structural response by entering the probability at which one accepts overloading of the structure in the short-term distribution of the response of the structural detail.     

Mechanical model and mechanical property analysis of fibre-reinforced hybrid composite pipes

Compared to conventional fibre-reinforced composite pipes, fibre-reinforced hybrid composite pipes are more complex and are characterised by the use of hybrid fibres, hybrid matrices, and multiple fibre winding angles. In this study, based on the mechanical model of conventional fibre-reinforced composite pipes, the cross-section division method, the radial pressure on the adjacent layer by spiral wound rope structures, and the calculation method of axial force in each layer were improved. Furthermore, the von Mises stresses in each layer were calculated to discriminate the failure to establish a mechanical model of fibre-reinforced hybrid composite pipes with any number of reinforced layers under axial tension, internal pressure, and external pressure. Experimental data and the finite element method (FEM) were used to verify the reliability of the established model, with the axial tensile mechanical properties analysed based on the established model. The results showed that the large-angle fibres no longer withstood the axial tensile load when the winding angle of the large-angle fibres was greater than 45°. The matrices yielding was much earlier than the fibre breakage. The matrices hybrid methods have a large influence on the axial tensile properties of fibre-reinforced hybrid composite pipes, and improving the material properties of the inner and outer liners can significantly improve the axial tensile properties of fibre-reinforced hybrid composite pipes.     

Time-domain structural analysis during block turnover and lifting using 2D flexible multibody dynamics

Ship construction involves the assembly of several blocks on a dock. When a block is lifted using a crane, it undergoes deformation. Until now, structural analysis has been applied in a few cases to evaluate the stress on such blocks. Therefore, this study proposes an evaluation method for time-domain stress using 2D flexible multibody dynamics. We adopt the discrete Euler-Lagrange equation to achieve robustness during the numerical integration of problems that involve high stiffness. We formulate the equations of motion of 2D shell elements based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation, which is an efficient analysis technique for nonlinear and large deformation cases. We also derive the two types of kinematic constraints (ball and fixed joints) between the rigid and shell element, which can be attached to an arbitrary point. Based on the theories, we develop the program to build models, including 2D flexible multibody dynamics and several joints, and to solve the equations of motion efficiently. As a result, it is successfully applied to the dynamic analysis of the block turnover by a gantry crane and the block lifting by a floating crane. The von-Mises stresses that change over time are compared to the maximum yield stress and analyzed according to the wave direction.     

Experimental and numerical investigation of the behavior of ship windows subjected to quasi-static pressure loads

High load-carrying capacity of ship windows is important for ship safety. This aspect has recently become significant after several incidents with broken windows in superstructures had occurred. In order to get more insight into the failure behavior and into the interaction between glass windows and surrounding wall structure, experiments and numerical investigations of windows subjected to quasi-static as well as impact loads were performed. In this paper quasi-static ultimate load tests with full-scale test models, each containing a clamped or bonded laminated safety glass window, are described. Finite element modeling of the steel structure, laminated glass, and elastomer bonding or gasket is outlined in detail. Material data are based on small-scale tests of steel and glass specimens, and on published data. Afterwards a method to calculate failure probabilities of glass panes under pressure loads is presented. Failure probabilities for the glass panes in the tests are determined and failure mechanisms are clarified. Finally, hints for designing safe windows and for improving window designs are given.     

爆炸载荷作用下固支方板的应变场及破坏分析

对爆炸载荷下的固支方板进行了理论分析和实验研究,导出了固支方板在爆炸载荷作用下的应变场,分析了在爆炸载荷下固支方板的破裂形式,给出了破裂临界压力值,可用于一般工程设计.     

Theoretical and numerical analysis of bending behavior of unbonded flexible risers

This paper presents theoretical and numerical study on bending properties of unbonded flexible risers. To capture nonlinearities in layer's sliding, the stress component due to slip-stick behavior is considered and energy conservation principle considering sliding-caused heat consumption is employed in the analytical model. Besides, a finite element model estimating mechanics of unbonded flexible risers' bending is proposed. In the finite element model, couplings between bending moment–curvature and axial stress as well as contact interaction among layers and tendons have been considered. The theoretical and numerical results were validated against the corresponding experimental data in literature and mutually compared in analyzing nonlinear bending behavior of flexible risers. Moreover, the impacts of axisymmetric loads on riser's bending behavior have been further investigated.     

波流联合作用下通载浮桥动力特性研究

为了研究波流环境中浮桥通载时的动力特性,探讨通载速度及波流联合作用对浮桥动力响应的影响,本文采用势流理论对浮桥所处流场的速度势进行分析,采用莫力森公式计算浮桥受到的水阻力,同时考虑多轴移动荷载的影响,建立系泊浮桥的时域运动方程;并对不同工况下浮桥的运动响应及系泊力进行了计算,在计算中考虑了瞬时湿表面变化对浮桥浮力及水阻力的非线性影响,通过计算得到了不同行驶速度、不同波况下浮桥各桥节的运动响应及系泊力时程曲线.结果表明:车辆行驶速度对浮桥桥节垂荡、纵摇响应及系泊力均具有明显影响,桥节垂荡、纵摇及上游系泊缆张力峰值随行驶速度增大而增大;通载浮桥中部桥节的系泊缆张力最大值小于两侧桥节系泊力最大值;波浪作用下桥节的运动响应及系泊力与车辆荷载引起的运动响应及系泊力具有一定程度的叠加效应,特别是垂荡响应的叠加效应更为明显;当波高较大时系泊力将由波浪作用控制.     

遭受沉底爆炸载荷作用下的圆柱结构冲击损伤计算

论述了圆柱结构对水下爆炸的冲击损伤计算方法与数值模拟算法。简要介绍了试验工况、计算模型、计算条件等,对沉底状态下圆柱结构遭受沉底水下爆炸作用下的实际损伤与仿真结果进行了对比,研究了冲击毁伤与载荷强度、炸药之间的关系,并应用圆柱壳屈曲理论讨论计算圆柱结构冲击响应的方法,提出了应用表面平均总压力来表征爆炸载荷强度,为今后的潜艇结构抗冲击试验方案设计提供参考。     

CSR-H与CSR强度评估载荷的对比研究

对CSR-H 与CSR用于强度分析的载荷变化进行分析,对各载荷分量的包络值以及应用于等效设计波中的船体梁波浪弯矩、波浪剪力和外部海水压力、加速度等载荷分量的大小进行比较。分析货油舱、干散货舱、压载舱典型位置处的内部压力变化,并对载荷变化可能引起的结构要求变化进行分析和概括。     

波流耦合作用下海洋柔性立管防弯器动力响应数值分析

基于三维动态时域分析软件OrcaFlex建立防弯器与立管耦合响应模型,对柔性立管防弯器在波流耦合作用下的动力响应进行了参数敏感性分析,结合分析结果对柔性立管防弯器系统进行优化布局,并分析了流向变化和浪向变化对弯矩的影响。结果表明,靠近立管与浮体或水下设备固结点的曲率和弯矩大,随着远离固结点,曲率和弯矩呈递减趋势。海流方向变化对立管和防弯器曲率和弯矩的影响较浪向变化更大。底部立管和防弯器弯矩高于顶部,需格外注意。防弯器曲率与立管曲率基本一致,但弯矩高出很多,达到了防弯器保护立管承载过度屈曲的目的。     

Plastic deformation of ship plate subjected to repeated patch loads at different locations - Elastoplastic numerical analysis and design equation

Ship structures may be subjected to repeated random patch loads at different locations. Under these circumstances, ship plates will have large accumulated permanent deformations, which will result in some serious negative effects on their work and safety performance. Therefore, the elasto-plastic response of ship structure under repeated patch loads at different locations are studied by using finite element method. The permanent deformations of plate in the whole loading and unloading process are investigated. In addition, the residual stress and plastic strain states of the panel and stiffeners are studied based on a typical wheel-on-deck interaction scenario. Moreover, according to Hughes's hypothesis, the equivalent method between repeated patch loads at different locations and full uniform pressure load is studied. Considered the influence of plate slenderness, the improved formula for equivalent load coefficient is proposed, showing a good correlation with experimental data and numerical results. The proposed equivalent method can be used for estimating the permanent deformations of ship structures under repeated patch loads at different locations in ship life.     

静压作用下夹芯复合材料圆柱壳失效模式的有限元分析

基于有限元计算软件ABAQUS,对静水压力作用下夹芯复合材料圆柱壳的失效模式进行研究。首先,采用ABAQUS的材料库和单元库,建立高效、精确的夹芯复合材料圆柱壳的仿真计算方法;进而,基于TSAIW理论、Hashin理论和第四强度理论,分别建立表层材料和芯材的强度失效判据;最后,分析跨度/半径比、表层/芯材厚度比、内/外表层厚度比以及铺层角度等因素对圆柱壳失效模式的影响规律,可为夹芯复合材料圆柱壳的结构优化设计提供依据。     

Ultimate strength of container ships subjected to combined hogging moment and bottom local loads part 1: Nonlinear finite element analysis

This paper is the first of two companion papers concerning the ultimate hull girder strength of container ships subjected to combined hogging moment and bottom local loads. In the midship part of container ships, upward bottom local loads are usually larger than the downward ones. This leads to the increase of biaxial compression in the outer bottom plating and the reduction of the ultimate hull girder strength in the hogging condition. In this Part 1, the collapse behavior and ultimate strength of container ships under combined hogging moment and bottom local loads are analyzed using nonlinear finite element method. Buckling collapse behavior of bottom stiffened panels during the progressive collapse of a hull girder is closely investigated. It has been found that major factors of the reduction of ultimate hogging strength due to bottom local loads are (1) the increase of the longitudinal compression in the outer bottom and (2) the reduction of the effectiveness of the inner bottom, which is on the tension side of local bending of the double bottom. The obtained results will be utilized in the Part 2 paper to develop a simplified method of progressive collapse analysis of container ships under combined hogging moment and bottom local loads.     

水下爆炸气泡脉动压力下舰船动态响应分析

  目的  舰船在执行任务的过程中有可能因同时遭受波浪载荷与水下爆炸气泡脉动载荷的联合作用而使船体响应发生“叠加效应”,导致总强度的损失,因此需要探索水下爆炸气泡脉动与波浪联合作用时船体梁的动力响应规律。  方法  首先,采用理论分析的方法建立船体梁的简化模型,并对水下爆炸气泡脉动载荷与波浪载荷进行求解;然后,基于Hamilton原理,分别推导两端自由船体梁在波浪载荷与水下爆炸气泡脉动载荷单独作用及联合作用下的运动微分方程;最后,基于对运动微分方程的求解,分析船体梁的自由振动响应在与外载荷组合的3种工况下简化模型的运动响应。  结果  结果显示,在波浪载荷与水下爆炸气泡脉动载荷的联合作用下,船体梁的运动响应相比2种载荷单独作用时运动响应的线性叠加值增大了15%。  结论  所做研究可为舰船结构在联合载荷作用下运动响应分析的计算程序开发提供参考。