Prediction of Tensile Strain Capacity for X52 Steel Pipeline Materials Using the Extended Finite Element Method

Abstract

Strain-based design (SBD) plays an important role in pipeline design and assessment of pipelines subjected to geo-hazards. Under such hazards, a pipe can be subjected to substantial plastic strains, leading to tensile failure at locations of girth weld flaws. For SBD, the finite element method (FEM) can be a reliable tool to calculate the tensile strain capacity (TSC) for better design in pipelines. This study aims to investigate the ductile fracture properties for specific vintage pipeline steel (API 5L grade of X52) using the extended finite element method (XFEM). Eight full-scale tests were simulated using the commercial finite element analysis software ABAQUS Version 6.17. Maximum principal strain is used to assess the damage initiation using the cohesive zone model (CZM) when the crack evolution is evaluated by fracture energy release. A proper set of damage parameters for the X52 materials was calibrated based on the ability of the model to reproduce the experimental results. These experimental results included the tensile strain, applied load, endplate rotation, and crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD). This study describes a methodology for validation of the XFEM and the proper damage parameters required to model crack initiation and propagation in X52 grades of pipeline.

Finite-Element Modeling of the Temperature Effect on Extended Avalanche Damage of Gas Main Pipelines

“…The study presented by Hutař et al [14], based on linear elastic fracture mechanics methods, proposed a methodology for the numerical estimation of the service life of polymer pipes under internal pressure. The study proposed by Elyasi et al [15] investigated the ductile fracture properties of API 5L and X52 pipeline steels using the finite-element method in ABAQUS. The work developed by Arumugam et al [16] presented an overview of the component failures of corroded steel pipes subjected to internal pressure and axial compressive stress.…”

Effect of Winding Steel Wire on the Collapse Pressure of Submarine Hose

“…Gao et al (2018) [9] and Tonatto et al (2017) [10] analyzed the failure behavior of composite pipe under internal pressure load using ABAQUS software, respectively. Extended finite element method (XFEM) has recently been proposed to predict the failure of pipelines [11,12]. Based on nonlinear cable-like response to lift and Morison-type drag forces, Huang and Leonard (1990) [13] studied the lateral stability of At present, the technical specifications for the design, manufacture and testing of submarine hoses are mainly the specifications issued by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the API standards [6,7].…”