A Multidimensional FEA Approach for Determination of Hot Spot Stresses in Offshore Jacket Structures

Author(s):  
Kris Hectors ◽  
Hasan Saeed ◽  
Wim De Waele

Abstract A new fatigue lifetime assessment approach for offshore jacket structures is presented. It combines a previously developed numerical framework for automated determination of stress concentration factors in tubular joints and a multidimensional finite element modelling approach. The approach is explained based on a case study of an OC4 type offshore jacket. To determine the fatigue life, a directional wave spectrum is combined with the JONSWAP spectrum. The fatigue life of the jacket is assessed for two different sea states. Based on the fatigue analysis the most fatigue critical wave direction is identified. The hot spot stresses in one of the most critical joints are determined and compared to stresses obtained with the Efthymiou equations. The shortcomings of these equations are highlighted and it is shown how the numerical framework can be used to improve the current fatigue design philosophy for offshore jackets which relies on the Efthymiou equations for stress concentration factors in the welded tubular joints.

Author(s):  
Nathalia Paruolo ◽  
Thalita Mello ◽  
Paula Teixeira ◽  
Marco Pérez

Abstract In the oil and gas industry, fixed platforms are commonly applied in shallow water production. In-place environmental conditions generates cyclic loads on the structure that might lead to structural degradation due to fatigue damage. Fatigue is one of the most common failure modes of offshore structures and is typically estimated when dimensioning of the structure during design phase. However, in times when life extension of existing offshore structures is being a topic in high demand by industry, mature fields may represent an interesting investment, especially for small companies. Concerning fixed platforms, composed mainly by welded tubular joints, the assessment of hot spot stresses is considered to predict structure fatigue. The estimation of welded joint hot spot stresses is based on the stress concentration factors (SCFs), which are given by parametric formulae, finite element analysis (FEA) or experimental tests. Parametric formulae may be defined as a fast and low-cost method, meanwhile finite elements analysis may be time consuming and experimental tests associated with higher costs. Given these different characteristics, each method is applied according to the study case, which will rely on the joint geometry and associated loads. Considering simple joint geometries several sets of parametric equations found in the literature may be applied. On the other hand, the SCFs calculation of non-studied yet complex joints consider known formulae adapted according to the under load joint behavior and geometry. Previous analysis shows that this adaptation may furnish different results compared to those obtained by FEA. Furthermore, it is observed that even for simple joints the results derived from the different methods may differ. Given their importance for the oil and gas industry, since they are the basis for the assessment of the fatigue life of welded tubular joints which may impact on additional costs related to maintenance and inspection campaigns, the estimation of SCFs must be the most accurate as possible. Therefore, this paper intends to investigate the differences between results derived from parametric formulae and different FEA studies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 213 ◽  
pp. 03014
Author(s):  
Kai Zhou ◽  
Jingjing Zuo ◽  
Wenhua Wang ◽  
Shiliu Bao

The support structure for an offshore wind turbine is subjected to combined hydrodynamic loads and aerodynamic loads. The tubular joints are the weakest component leading to fatigue failure of the whole structure. Based on the multi-pile foundation structure which is used widely in China, the typical threeplanar tubular Y-joints is selected to study stress concentration factor (SCF). Then, the load types subjected to axial loadings of three-planar tubular Y-joints are determined. The finite element models of three-planar tubular Y-joints are established and used to calculate hot spot stresses. The stress concentration factors along the weld of the three-planar tubular Y-joints under the axial forces are obtained. The effects of geometrical parameters on SCFs are studied.


1972 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 815-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Gerdeen

An approximate theoretical analysis is presented for the determination of stress concentration factors in thick walled cylinders with sideholes and crossholes. The cylinders are subjected to both internal pressure and external shrink-fit pressure. Stress concentration factors are plotted as functions of the geometrical ratios of outside diameter-to-bore diameter, and bore diameter-to-sidehole diameter. Theoretical results are compared to experimental values available in the literature and results of experiments described in a separate paper.


2021 ◽  
pp. 136943322110499
Author(s):  
Feleb Matti ◽  
Fidelis Mashiri

This paper investigates the behaviour of square hollow section (SHS) T-joints under static axial tension for the determination of stress concentration factors (SCFs) at the hot spot locations. Five empty and corresponding concrete-filled SHS-SHS T-joint connections were tested experimentally and numerically. The experimental investigation was carried out by attaching strain gauges onto the SHS-SHS T-joint specimens. The numerical study was then conducted by developing three-dimensional finite element (FE) T-joint models using ABAQUS finite element analysis software for capturing the distribution of the SCFs at the hot spot locations. The results showed that there is a good agreement between the experimental and numerical SCFs. A series of formulae for the prediction of SCF in concrete-filled SHS T-joints under tension were proposed, and good agreement was achieved between the maximum SCFs in SHS T-joints calculated from FE T-joint models and those from the predicted formulae.


1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 370-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
J A Packer ◽  
J Wardenier

A number of fatigue experiments and stress concentration factor measurements on non-90°, square hollow section X-connections have been carried out. Comparison of the measured stress concentration factors with those derived from existing parametric formulae for 90° T- and X-connections showed a strong influence of the brace angle. A tentative extension of the range of validity of the parametric formulae for 90° T- and X-connections for other brace angles has been derived.Key words: steel structures, connections, fatigue, hollow structural sections, hot spot stress, stress concentration factors.


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