Optimisation of Subsea Tie-In Spools Using Evolutionary Algorithms

Author(s):  
Chris Madeley

Tie-in spools must be designed to resist a large number of onerous load combinations. These loads include gravitational, temperature, pressure and environmental loads along with various imposed displacements. Additionally, there are several design constraints that must be satisfied. Due to the three-dimensional geometric freedom of the spool there are many possible design scenarios that could be evaluated in the search for the optimum solution. It is the responsibility of the pipeline design engineer to use their own judgment and experience to find the best possible solution within the design period. Traditionally a trial and error design approach is used in an iterative manner. This method is typically slow and labor intensive and can be too focused on one design concept at the expense of others that are potentially superior. On similar engineering problems with many design parameters automated non-linear optimization routines have been shown to be very effective. Specifically, applying evolutionary algorithms is a robust, time-effective and adaptable approach. Such a tool assists the engineer in finding superior design solutions and assists in searching the entire design space. To test this design method, a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm has been applied to two semi-constrained spool design problems. The spool design has been modeled using finite element analysis. First, the algorithm was applied to the optimization of spool geometry for multiple design objectives. Within 24-hours of runtime the algorithm was able to find superior solutions to those found using a traditional iterative approach. Also, the trade-off between conflicting design objectives could be quantified and visualized to enable the designer to select the most appropriate candidate. The second problem evaluated was the placement of supports to mitigate the onset of vortex induced vibration (VIV). The algorithm was again able to quickly find a better solution and quantify the tradeoff between conflicting design objectives. The paper presents the results of this new design process as applied by subsea pipeline engineers to find optimum spool designs.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Weijun Shen ◽  
Yang Cao ◽  
Xuepeng Jiang ◽  
Zhan Zhang ◽  
Gül E. Okudan Kremer ◽  
...  

Abstract Origami structures, which were inspired by traditional paper folding arts, have been applied for engineering problems for the last two decades. Origami-based thin-wall tubes have been extensively investigated under axial loadings. However, less has been done with radial stiffness as one of the critical mechanical properties of a tubular structure working under lateral loadings. In this study, the radial stiffness of novel thin-wall tubular structures based on origami patterns have been studied with compression tests and finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. The results show that the radial stiffness of an origami-inspired tube can achieve about 27.1 times that of a circular tube with the same circumcircle diameter (100 mm), height (60 mm), and wall-thickness (2 mm). Yoshimura, Kresling, and modified Yoshimura patterns are selected as the basic frames, upon which the influences of different design parameters are tested and discussed. Given that the weight can vary due to different designs, the stiffness-to-weight ratio is also calculated. The origami-inspired tubular structures with superior stiffness performances are obtained and can be extended to crashworthy structures, functional structures, and stiffness enhancement with low structural weight.


Author(s):  
William W. Finch ◽  
Allen C. Ward

Abstract This paper gives an overview of a system which eliminates infeasible designs from engineering design problems dominated by multiple sources of uncertainty. It outlines methods for representing constraints on sets of values for design parameters using quantified relations, a special class of predicate logic expressions which express some of the causal information inherent in engineering systems. The paper extends constraint satisfaction techniques and describes elimination algorithms that operate on quantified relations and catalogs of toleranced or adjustable parts. It demonstrates the utility of these tools on a simple electronic circuit, and describes their implementation and test in a prototype software tool.


2012 ◽  
Vol 215-216 ◽  
pp. 847-850
Author(s):  
Shou Jun Wang ◽  
Xing Xiong ◽  
Hong Jie Wang

In the condition of alternating impact ,the nut-supports subassembly is analyzed according to uncertainty of design parameters. Firstly, a three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) model of the nut-supports subassembly is built and is meshed,and the constraints and loads are imposed.Secondly,the model of nut-supports was assembled using the software ANSYS to understand the stress distribution and various parts of the deformation of the nut-supports and its weak links in the harmonic forces.Finally,socket head cap screw has not enough pre-load in the condition of alternating impact and will be simplified.It is analyzed and checked whether it is cut or not; which provides the reference data for design and optimization of the wave maker.


Author(s):  
L. Goteti ◽  
J. Choi ◽  
J. Park

Snap-fit integral attachments are used widely for joining plastic parts. The proliferated use of integral attachment in the form of snap-fit features in designs is due to the ability to mould such parts of great complexity at little cost. The exceptional diversity of part geometry and integral snap-fit features has made it seem that design possibilities may be unlimited. Thus, attempts at optimization might be intractable. A design of experiments (DOE) approach coupled with three-dimensional, geometrical non-linear finite element analysis (FEA) was used to calculate the insertion and retention responses on such parts for various geometrical parameters like length, width and angles. A statistical technique was employed to formulate empirical relationships among the geometrical dimensions, to investigate the effect of these parameters on the design as well as to obtain optimal insertion and retention forces or strains. Design equations obtained from this methodology were verified within the DOE domain and it was observed that the predicted responses were ranged within 30% of the FEA results. During this investigation, it was observed that geometrical features of a block, which exert force on the snap-fit features, have a considerable effect on the results. Therefore, the effects of the block parameters on the various responses were also studied. An attempt was also made to understand the effect of the block parameters such as corner radius and thickness on the design formula, which depicts the geometrical parameters of the snap-fit part as a function of insertion and retention forces. It is expected that the results help to find optimal design parameters in order to enhance the performance of such snap-fit features.


Author(s):  
Ibrahim Konuk ◽  
Abdelfdettah Fredj

This paper presents results from two different Finite Element (FE) pipeline ice-scour models employing pipe and shell elements that incorporate large deformations and metal plasticity. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the effects and implications of some of the main pipeline design parameters on the response of the pipeline determined by using Winkler models and soil displacements that are based on an empirical scour function commonly used in recent literature. The current model is two dimensional in terms of deformed pipe geometry and incorporates temperature and pressure stiffness effects. A detailed study of the soil displacements underneath and around the scour and a three-dimensional continuum based ice-soil-pipe interaction model is being presented in a different paper. The paper discusses the limitations and implications of the Winkler modeling and compares results obtained using different Winkler spring models. It illustrates the effects of pipe temperature (and pressure), pipe burial depth, and scour width. A comparison of pipe response using shell and pipe elements is also presented. This paper presents results from the FE models for a typical gathering pipeline. The pipe is taken to be a 16 inch diameter and 0.75 inch wall thickness API 5L X65 Specification line pipe.


Author(s):  
Duccio Bonaiuti ◽  
Mehrdad Zangeneh

Optimization strategies have been used in recent years for the aerodynamic and mechanical design of turbomachine components. One crucial aspect in the use of such methodologies is the choice of the geometrical parameterization, which determines the complexity of the objective function to be optimized. In the present paper, an optimization strategy for the aerodynamic design of turbomachines is presented, where the blade parameterization is based on the use of a three-dimensional inverse design method. The blade geometry is described by means of aerodynamic parameters, like the blade loading, which are closely related to the aerodynamic performance to be optimized, thus leading to a simple shape of the optimization function. On the basis of this consideration, it is possible to use simple approximation functions for describing the correlations between the input design parameters and the performance ones. The Response Surface Methodology coupled with the Design of Experiments (DOE) technique was used for this purpose. CFD analyses were run to evaluate the configurations required by the DOE to generate the database. Optimization algorithms were then applied to the approximated functions in order to determine the optimal configuration or the set of optimal ones (Pareto front). The method was applied for the aerodynamic redesign of two different turbomachine components: a centrifugal compressor stage and a single-stage axial compressor. In both cases, both design and off-design operating conditions were analyzed and optimized.


1969 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-168
Author(s):  
H Stordahl ◽  
H Christensen

The finite-element method (1) (2)∗ is increasingly used in the stress analysis of mechanical-engineering problems. It is the purpose of this paper to described how the finite-element method can be used as an effective tool in the design of rotors. Up to the present time this method has mainly been used in the analysis of two-dimensional problems. However, a special class of three-dimensional problems, namely axi-symmetric rotors, can be treated as a nearly two-dimensional problem. This paper summarizes the development of the finite-element method as applied to the analysis of the axi-symmetric rotor. A computer programme is then briefly described, and the application of the method to the solution of three examples taken from practical engineering experience are presented.


Aero Gas Turbine engines power aircrafts for civil transport application as well as for military fighter jets. Jet pipe casing assembly is one of the critical components of such an Aero Gas Turbine engine. The objective of the casing is to carry out the required aerodynamic performance with a simultaneous structural performance. The Jet pipe casing assembly located in the rear end of the engine would, in case of fighter jet, consist of an After Burner also called as reheater which is used for thrust augmentation to meet the critical additional thrust requirement as demanded by the combat environment in the war field. The combustion volume for the After burner operation together with the aerodynamic conditions in terms of pressure, temperature and optimum air velocity is provided by the Jet pipe casing. While meeting the aerodynamic requirements, the casing is also expected to meet the structural requirements. The casing carries a Convergent-Divergent Nozzle in the downstream side (at the rear end) and in the upstream side the casing is attached with a rear mount ring which is an interface between engine and the airframe. The mechanical design parameters involving Strength reserve factors, Fatigue Life, Natural Frequencies along with buckling strength margins are assessed while the Jet pipe casing delivers the aerodynamic outputs during the engine operation. A three dimensional non linear Finite Element analysis of the Jet pipe casing assembly is carried out, considering the up & down stream aerodynamics together with the mechanical boundary conditions in order to assess the Mechanical design parameters.


2014 ◽  
Vol 919-921 ◽  
pp. 258-261
Author(s):  
Jian Rong Pan ◽  
Zheng Ting Yang ◽  
Lin Qiang Zheng ◽  
Rui Bin Gao

This paper deals with the effect of splicing area design parameters on the mechanical behavior of beam-column connection with cantilever beam splicing. A series of models are designed based on the change of parameters. The mechanical behavior of beam-column connection with cantilever beam splicing is systematically studied by using the finite element analysis. The analysis results show that the number and arrangement of web bolt will have a great influence on mechanical behavior of the splicing joint when the number of flange bolt is designed by the precise design method; the number and arrangement of web bolt will have a less influence when the number of flange bolt is designed by the equal strength design method; Splicing area design parameters have little effect on the ultimate load and the initial rotational stiffness of the splicing joint; the number and arrangement of bolt is sensitive parameter for yield load of the splicing joint and the rotational stiffness in the the splicing area.


2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunao Miyauchi ◽  
Hironori Horiguchi ◽  
Jun-ichirou Fukutomi ◽  
Akihiro Takahashi

The meridional flow channel design of a pump impeller affects its performance. However, since so many design parameters exist, a new design method is proposed in which a meridional and blade-to-blade flow channel is designed by the parallel use of the circulation distribution provided by the designer. Thus, an optimization method was used to design an axis-symmetrical meridional flow channel from the circulation distribution. In addition, the inverse design method proposed by Zangeneh et al. (1996) was employed to design a three-dimensional blade-to-blade flow channel from the circulation distribution and the optimized meridional shape. In this article, a few design examples and these Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) validations are also given.


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