The Simulation of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Cryogenic Pipeline Stress-Strain State

Abstract

At present the production of polymer materials is developing intensively, new materials, comparable with steels in their strength properties have recently appeared. In this connection, the analysis of polymer materials applied in the pipe industry has been carried out, and the use of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is proposed as a structural pipeline material, allowing pipes to operate at cryogenic temperatures. The focal point of the article is the consideration of the fracture mechanisms of those materials and the nature of the change in the mechanical properties of UHMWPE under cryogenic temperatures, also taking into account the creep process. The expression for determining the value of the creep modulus depending on the temperature and operating time was obtained. A method is proposed for conducting initial strength estimation. Moreover, the computer model of stress-strain state of an underground cryogenic polymer pipeline for liquefied natural gas transportation is obtained. The results of simulation depict the potential possibility of using of UHMWPE for the cryogenic pipeline construction