Numerical and experimental analysis of the static behavior of highly deformed risers

This paper models a slender, flexible structure used as a drill string or riser in the offshore oil and gas industry that connects the well-head with a floating control vessel. These systems are used in deep-water drilling applications and present considerable design challenges due to their extreme flexibility and susceptibility to buckling and vibration. Two typical configurations are used (Bai and Bai, 2005), with a common feature involving the attachment of a buoy designed to relieve some of the axial forces acting on the riser, especially at the attachment points. Previous work by the authors studied numerical results of small-amplitude vibrations and two other equilibrium configurations using parameter values that closely resemble the full-scale application (Santillan et al., 2008). Here, two new configurations are considered, and experiments are designed and conducted to verify these equilibrium results. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Sophia Santillan Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...

Author Lawrence N. Virgin Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...