Numerical simulation of UOE pipe process and its effect on pipe mechanical behavior in deep-water applications

Abstract

Large-diameter thick-walled steel pipes during their installation in deep-water are subjected to a combination of loading in terms of external pressure, bending and axial tension, which may trigger structural instability due to excessive pipe ovalization with catastrophic effects. In the present study, the UOE pipe manufacturing process, commonly adopted for producing large-diameter pipes of significant thickness, is considered. The study examines the effect of UOE line pipe manufacturing process on the structural response and resistance of offshore pipes during the installation process using nonlinear finite element simulation tools. © 2015 by ASME.