Session: 04-01-04 Flexible Pipes and Umbilicals IV

Submission Number: 157086

Rotational Translational Movement Imposition for Macroelements 

Abstract

Finite Macroelements is a research line under development by the authors in which the finite elements incorporate geometrical characteristics in the formulation, leading to well-behaved contact models with a smaller number of degrees of freedom. Their use makes possible to simulate complex problems involving tubular structures, such as flexible pipes and umbilical cables, including friction. In previous works presented the macroelements that are already developed: a helical metallic element, an orthotropic Fourier element and elements to represent the contact between layers, including or not friction.

Boundary conditions play a very important role in the response of the structure and, thus, must be correctly modelled to achieve the desired results. In general, they can be expressed in terms of applied loads, namely force and moments, or imposed movements, such as displacements and rotations. In numerical models, applying them as movements are easier and tend to lead to models with an easier convergence.  The present paper shows the complementary work of a previously presented one that imposes movements in the macroelement model by creating a rigid section. In the current paper, the model for section rotational movements is shown in detail, highlighting the used hypothesis. It is also shown the results for the isolated elements and a simplified combination of helix and cylinder using bonded contact, with great agreement when compared to commercial software.

Keywords: finite element method, finite macroelements, flexible pipe, numerical methods, computational tools.

Presenting Author: Rodrigo Provasi University of São Paulo

Presenting Author Biography: Rodrigo Provasi is currently an assistant professor in the department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering in University of São Paulo. His background is from a graduation course in Mechatronics Engineering and PhD in Computational Mechanics, in which he focused on developing methods and tools for Offshore flexible pipes and umbilical cables analysis.
He is also part of the LMO - Offshore Mechanics Laboratory, which is well-known in the offshore industry with more than 30 years working as partner of the largest offshore players.