Analytical Study of the Mechanical Strength of Flexible Pipes

Abstract

Although flexible pipes have already been in wide use in the offshore industry, studies on their mechanical strength are few and far between, and their industrial standards are yet to be established. This paper describes the analytical methods employed in determining the mechanical strength of flexible pipes and also discusses test data that delineate the characteristics of flexible pipes. The axial, torsional and crushing strength of flexible pipes is studied along with their damaging bending on the basis of our results of analysis and testing. The coincidence of the results of theoretical analysis with test results indicates that our analytical methods provide a useful tool for determining the design mechanical strength of flexible pipes.