An alternative strategy for offshore flexible pipes finite element analysis

In the structural analysis of flexible pipes, the Finite Element Method (FEM) stands as a powerful and widespread tool. However, it is unfeasible to represent with detail in a Finite Element (FE) model all layers and components of a flexible pipe, since the calculation time would be unrealistic. Moreover, consistent numerical analyzes need support from experimental results. In this context, the development of a new strategy for the design of FE models of flexible pipes is placed. Using a commercial FE software, this text presents an innovative technique to represent helical layers, based on previous numerical contact studies. A space filling mesh scheme is introduced to model voids between wound wires. To assess this numerical approach, results obtained from three case studies are compared with analytical and experimental approaches found in the literature, highlighting advantages and drawbacks of the alternative strategy.