A Comparison of Fracture Mechanics and S–N Curve Approaches in Designing Drill Pipe

Abstract

It is well known that the upper ball joint in a marine riser, in deep drilling, can cause fatigue damage in the drill pipe passing through it. A study of fracture mechanics and S–N curve approaches has been undertaken to determine the dynamic fatigue damage in the drill pipe. Miner’s rule is utilized in both methods to determine the total damage. The results of both methods are compared.