Investigations Into Fatigue Performance of Offshore Mooring Chains

Author(s):  
Gary H. Farrow ◽  
Andrew E. Potts ◽  
Daniel G. Washington

The Chain Finite Element Analysis of Residual Strength Joint Industry Project (Chain FEARS JIP) aimed to develop guidance for the determination of a rational discard criteria for mooring chains subject to severe pitting corrosion which would otherwise require immediate removal and replacement. Critical to the ability to evaluate the residual fatigue life of a degraded chain, is to have an accurate estimate of the chain in its as-new condition, thereby providing a benchmark for any loss in fatigue life associated with severe corrosion or wear. A non-linear multi-axial Finite Element Analysis (FEA) fatigue assessment method was developed and correlated against available fatigue test data as part of the JIP achieving this critical requirement. The development of this correlated methodology necessitated a review of: • The available mooring chain fatigue test data, to identify the factors influencing chain fatigue life and failure location. • FEA fatigue methodologies currently employed in the industry. • Current Class Rules relating to fatigue estimation. • The influence of material, manufacturing and operational factors on chain fatigue life. It was established that while the linear FEA fatigue method currently employed in the industry does not correlate with the fatigue test data, the non-linear multi-axial FEA fatigue method developed in the JIP afforded good correlation with test data. It was also demonstrated that the magnitude of mean chain tension and inconsistency in proof loading, as a consequence of the inconsistency in Class Minimum Break Load (MBL) specification, and with respect to chain size and the varying material ductility of steel grades, effects fatigue life. The identified inconsistency in the proofing indicates a likely inconsistency in conservatism embodied in the Class Rules fatigue formulation. Consequently it is possible that chains of certain size and grade may have significantly less fatigue life than anticipated by Class. Further work is recommended to establish a more rational proof load specification and to develop an alternative Class Rules fatigue formulation accounting for the identified factors influencing fatigue.

Author(s):  
Gary H. Farrow ◽  
Andrew E. Potts ◽  
Andrew A. Kilner ◽  
Phillip P. Kurts ◽  
Simon Dimopoulos ◽  
...  

Abstract The first phase of the Chain FEARS (Finite Element Analysis of Residual Strength) Joint Industry Project (JIP) aimed to develop guidance for the determination of a rational discard criteria for mooring chains subject to severe pitting corrosion which, based on current code requirements, would otherwise require immediate removal and replacement. Critical to the ability to evaluate the residual fatigue life of a degraded chain, is to have an accurate estimate of the chain in its as-new condition, thereby providing a benchmark for any loss in fatigue life associated with severe corrosion or wear. A large collection of fatigue test data was collated for comparison and to establish underlying trends in as-new mooring chain fatigue response. A non-linear multi-axial Finite Element Analysis (FEA) fatigue assessment method was developed to correlate against available as-new chain link fatigue test data and underlying failure trends as part of the JIP achieving this critical requirement. It was established that the linear FEA fatigue method currently employed in the industry is too simplistic and does not correlate with the fatigue test data, whereas an alternative method of assessing fatigue based on FEA, developed with respect to the DNV B1 material curve, correlates well with the available physical fatigue test data. The FEA method uses a non-linear chain link FEA and multi-axial stress fatigue calculation method to determine an equivalent Stress Magnification Factor (SMF). This method achieves good correlation of predicted utilisations and associated cycles-to-failure with fatigue test data and in respect of critical locations with evidenced failure locations. The method of equivalent SMF calculation accounted for the significant effects on fatigue performance including proof load induced residual stress, mean stress levels and the increase in material fatigue endurance associated with increased steel UTS (i.e. increased offshore mooring chain grade). The analytical method developed in this study achieved a high degree of correlation with as-new chain fatigue test data, and should enable the accurate prediction of fatigue stresses around a link and in particular for irregular geometry associated with corrosion degraded chain links.


2015 ◽  
Vol 815 ◽  
pp. 49-53
Author(s):  
Nur Fitriah Isa ◽  
Mohd Zulham Affandi Mohd Zahid ◽  
Liyana Ahmad Sofri ◽  
Norrazman Zaiha Zainol ◽  
Muhammad Azizi Azizan ◽  
...  

In order to promote the efficient use of composite materials in civil engineering infrastructure, effort is being directed at the development of design criteria for composite structures. Insofar as design with regard to behavior is concerned, it is well known that a key step is to investigate the influence of geometric differences on the non-linear behavior of the panels. One possible approach is to use the validated numerical model based on the non-linear finite element analysis (FEA). The validation of the composite panel’s element using Trim-deck and Span-deck steel sheets under axial load shows that the present results have very good agreement with experimental references. The developed finite element (FE) models are found to reasonably simulate load-displacement response, stress condition, giving percentage of differences below than 15% compared to the experimental values. Trim-deck design provides better axial resistance than Span-deck. More concrete in between due to larger area of contact is the factor that contributes to its resistance.


2001 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 809-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Eui Shin ◽  
Kyung-Woo Lee ◽  
Kyong-Ho Chang ◽  
Seung-Boo Jung ◽  
Jae Pil Jung

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. e15-e16
Author(s):  
L.H.A. Raposo ◽  
L.C.M. Dantas ◽  
T.A. Xavier ◽  
A.G. Pereira ◽  
A. Versluis ◽  
...  

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bill Shi ◽  
Donald Liu ◽  
Christopher Wiernicki

The emerging global economic needs are driving the designs for the next generation of ocean going vessels. Current ultra-large container carrier (10,000 TEU plus) designs are considerably larger and more complex than any currently in service. Proper and rational classification assessment requires that first principles based direct calculation methods be used to augment the standard classification review. The design philosophy behind the ABS Dynamic Loading Approach enables comprehensive identification of potential failure mechanisms. The scope of the necessary engineering assessment encompass full-ship finite element analysis under non-linear sea loads, spectral fatigue analysis, finite element lashing analysis, free and forced vibration analysis, and transient and impact load analysis. This paper describes key aspects of the DLA design philosophy such as non-linear sea loads, load combinations, various applications derived from full-ship finite element analysis. Several examples are given to highlight some critical failure mechanisms to be considered for ultra-large container carriers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafida Kahoul ◽  
Samira Belhour ◽  
Ahmed Bellaouar ◽  
Jean Paul Dron

Purpose This paper aims to present the fatigue life behaviour of upper arm suspension. The main objectives are to predict the fatigue life of the component and to identify the critical location. In this analysis, three aluminium alloys were used for the suspension, and their fatigue life was compared to select the suitable material for the suspension arm. Design/methodology/approach CAD model was prepared using Solid Works software, and finite element analysis was done using ANSYS 14.0 software by importing the Parasolid file to ANSYS. The model is subjected to loading and boundary conditions; the authors consider a vertical force with constant amplitude applied at the bushing that connected to the tire, the others two bushing that connected to the body of the car are constraint. Tetrahedral elements given enhanced results as compared to other types of elements; therefore, the elements (TET 10) are used. The maximum principal stress was considered in the linear static analysis, and fatigue analysis was done using strain life approach. Findings Life and damage are evaluated and the critical location was considered at node 63,754. From the fatigue analysis, aluminium alloys 7175-T73 (Al 90%-Zn 5.6%-Mg 2.5% -… …) and 2014-T6 (Al 93.5%-Cu 4.4%-Mg 0.5%… …) present a similar behaviour as compared to 6061-T6 (Al 97.9%-Mg 1.0%-Si 0.6%… … .); in this case of study, these lather are considered to be the materials of choice to manufacture the suspension arms; but 7175-T73 aluminium alloys remain the material with a better resistance to fatigue. Originality/value By the finite element analysis method and assistance of ANSYS software, it is able to analyse the different car components from varied aspects such as fatigue, and consequently save time and cost. For further research, the experimental works under controlled laboratory conditions should be done to determine the validation of the result from the software analysis.


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