On the Coupled Extensional–Torsional Response of Flexible Pipes

Abstract

In this paper, the coupled extensional-torsional behavior of a 4″ flexible pipe is studied. The pipe was subjected to pure tension and two different boundary conditions were considered: ends free and prevented from axially rotating. The response of the pipe is predicted with a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model. Some aspects of the obtained results are discussed, such as: the effect of restraining the axial rotation at the extreme sections of the model; the effect of friction or adhesion between the layers of the pipe on the induced axial rotation (or torque) and elongation; and the reduction to simple plane behavior usually assumed by analytical models. The numerical results are compared to the ones measured in experimental tests performed at COPPE/UFRJ. Reasonable agreement is observed between all results pointing out that the analyzed pipe is torque balanced and that friction mainly affects the axial twist or torque led by the applied tension. Moreover, the cross-sections of the pipe remain straight with the imposed load, but different axial rotations are found in each layer.