Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Umbilical Cables under Tension

Abstract

Umbilical cables are composite structures that consisting of metallic material and polymeric material. Analysing tension behaviour under axial loading is a key requirement to design the structure. A full three-dimensional finite element model is established in which the effect of radial deformation is given more attention. A plane finite element analysis is proposed to predict the radial stiffness of the inner core with several components. The tension behaviour of an umbilical cable is analysed by the proposed models. Tension tests of the umbilical cable were carried out. Compared with the available theoretical models in the literature, the finite element model has a satisfactory agreement with the experimental results. In addition, the finite element model is used for the assessment of the influence of the important parameters on the tension behaviour, which is helpful for the design of umbilical cable.

Carbon Nanotube Reinforced High Density Polyethylene Materials for Offshore Sheathing Applications

“…After every batch, the extruder barrel was thoroughly cleaned using HDPE granules, according to the standard operating procedures provided by the manufacturer. The energy consumed, for comparative analysis, was measured using Equation (1). Kilowatt-hour is a composite unit of energy equal to one kilowatt of power used for one hour.…”

“…Umbilical cable ( Figure 1 ) is an offshore product, utilised for the subsea oil and gas exploitation and related projects. The cable contains a complex and telescopic hierarchy of tubes/hoses, optical fibre cables, electrical cables, inner sheaths and fillers which are assembled into an inner core [ 1 ]. The main aim of the cable is to provide a control and communication channel between the surface vessel and the subsea installations and equipment.…”

“…The macro-composite structure contains multiple components and various types of engineering materials. Ferrous materials, such as steel armour wires, are used to provide the tension capability and to achieve the necessary internal stability against the high hydrostatic pressure [ 1 ].…”

“…Ferrous materials, such as steel armour wires, are used to provide the tension capability and to achieve the necessary internal stability against the high hydrostatic pressure [1]. Polyethylene (PE), consisting of ethylene monomers ((C2H4)n), is one of the simplest structured and commonly used plastics for a number of engineering applications, including for sheathing (inner and external, Figure 1) purposes in umbilical cables [1,2]. In particular, one of the commonly used materials for these advanced applications is high density polyethylene (HDPE), owing to its high strength-to-density ratio.…”

“…In another study, Du et al [18] processed HDPE/CNT and HDPE/graphene nanocomposites by alcohol-assisted dispersion and hot-pressing and compared dispersion and electrical properties. Due to the formation of crimps, the rolling and the aggregation of graphene in the HDPE matrix, the two-dimensional Polyethylene (PE), consisting of ethylene monomers ((C 2 H 4 ) n ), is one of the simplest structured and commonly used plastics for a number of engineering applications, including for sheathing (inner and external, Figure 1) purposes in umbilical cables [1,2]. In particular, one of the commonly used materials for these advanced applications is high density polyethylene (HDPE), owing to its high strength-to-density ratio.…”