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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

A Finite Macro-Element for Orthotropic Cylindrical Layer Modeling

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Author(s):
Provasi, Rodrigo [1] ; Martins, Clovis de Arruda [1]
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF OFFSHORE MECHANICS AND ARCTIC ENGINEERING-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME; v. 135, n. 3 AUG 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 6
Abstract

The offshore industry is in constant evolution due to the need to reach increasing water depths for new oil fields exploitation. In this scenario, not only are new types of platforms being designed but also new types of risers, including new flexible pipes and umbilical cable configurations. The greatest difficulty to generate a new concept for a riser is to determine if it is viable or not. Flexible pipes and umbilical cables are complicated to model, due to the interactions between their layers and the large number of possible arrangements. To predict the mechanical behavior of flexible pipes and umbilical cables, adequate models are necessary. One can rely on finite element models (FEM), which show a great difficulty in mesh generation and convergence (especially due to the contact pairs). One can also rely on analytical models, which have many limitations due to simplifications (even though they are necessary). Another possible approach is to define macro-elements, which represent a component, instead of classical finite elements (such as tetrahedric ones). Related to that approach, this paper presents a tubular element to model a cylinder with orthotropic material properties. In the model, the displacement and the loads are described by means of Fourier series, making it possible to treat a broad class of loads. The formulation is presented in detail, giving special attention to surface loading modeling. The results obtained in case studies are compared to those of a classical finite element modeling tool with a good agreement. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 06/06281-8 - Project of flexible pipes and umbilical handling
Grantee:Rodrigo Provasi Correia
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)