Static Structural Analysis of S-lay Pipe Laying with a Tensioner Model Based on the Frictional Contact

Article history: Received: 18.09.2013. Received in revised form: 21.03.2014. Accepted: 24.03.2014. Static structural analysis of a pipe during laying is usually performed by use of finite element analysis tools specialized for this purpose. In this paper, Abaqus/CAE, which is general purpose FEA software, was used for a static non-linear structural analysis of a pipe during pipe laying. The pipe is modeled as a geometrically non-linear elastic beam supported by a vessel and its stinger in the overbend region and by the seabed in the sagbend region. We propose a new method for tensioner modeling based on friction contacts between the pipe and the tensioner. Contact interactions between the pipe and rollers, as well as between the pipe and the seabed, are also considered. Basic static analysis is enhanced with floating stinger implementation, a non-flat seabed profile and buoyancy tanks application. The model results for various test cases of pipe laying are compared with an industry standard pipe laying modeling tool.