Numerical Simulation of Local Buckling of Submarine Pipelines under Combined Loading Conditions

Submarine pipelines are prone to developing flaws, such as ellipticity and depression during the manufacture, burying, and use processes. The local buckling characteristics of submarine pipelines with initial imperfection must be studied since the initial imperfection have an impact on local pipeline buckling. In this study, the local buckling of submarine pipelines with varying depression depths and ellipticity is simulated using the finite element program ABAQUS, and defect sensitivity of submarine pipelines with varying shape ellipticity, varying depression depths, and varying pipe radius-thickness ratios is examined. Meanwhile, research is being conducted on the combined load buckling of a submarine pipeline with initial imperfection caused by bending, axial force, and external hydrostatic pressure. The results indicated that the critical external pressure of the pipeline is sensitive to the imperfection, although the buckling propagation pressure is not. The buckling morphology is influenced by the shape and size of the imperfection. Additionally, the ability to withstand external hydrostatic pressure of the pipeline reduces after it has been bent.

Automated summary

This study models and analyzes the local buckling problem of submarine pipelines, and investigates the sensitivity of different shapes and sizes of imperfections. The results show that the critical external pressure of the pipeline is sensitive to imperfections, while the buckling propagation pressure is not. This has significant implications for the design and use of submarine pipelines.