Numerical simulation on interacting crack problems in offshore pipelines

• Main Author: Tan, Wei Yang
• Other Authors: Xiao Zhongmin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/176523
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The safe and efficient transportation of crude oil relies heavily on the structural integrity of offshore pipelines. However, cracks can form in these pipelines, making it difficult to maintain them. This study uses computer simulations to examine how multiple cracks behave in offshore pipelines. By applying a technique called the Finite Element Method (FEM), the research illustrates how pipelines react under different loading conditions. The study considers important factors like stress buildup, material properties, and pipe shapes, along with how cracks close together affect each other. It also uses advanced fracture mechanics principles to precisely predict how cracks will grow and predict potential pipe fracture occurrences. By varying crack size, direction, and distance in simulations, the study sheds light on how strong a pipeline is Overall, the study shows how FEM are valuable for understanding and understanding the problems caused by multiple cracks. Author is using a ANSYS Workbench 19.2 to simulate the cracks.