Responses of Submerged, Inclined Pipelines Conveying Mass

Abstract

The inclined pipeline is modeled as a Bernoulli-Euler beam with an initial static deflection due to self-weight, end loads, and external drag forces. Pipeline stability and transient responses are determined for a constant flow rate suddenly imposed on the contained fluid mass. Effects of the following dimensionless system parameters are studied: ratio of pipe mass to contained mass; ratio of flow frequency to a reference pipeline frequency; axial loads including line pressure, self-weight and added weight; external drag and linear, viscous damping. Results can be used in the design of oil-conveying pipelines and of dredge pipes used to convey mineral deposits to ships from the ocean floor.