Enhancement of Composite Sucker Rods for Use in the Oil Industry

Analysis of polymer-matrix composite sucker rod systems using finite element methods is performed. Composite sucker rods fail mainly due to fatigue loading. In majority of cases, the failure is in the region of the joint where the composite rod and the steel endfitting meet. 2D and 3D Finite Element Analysis and experimental tests are carried out in order to observe the stress distribution and to find the regions of stress concentrations inside the endfitting. The causes of fatigue failure of the composite sucker rods are identified. These are overloading of the rod causing high transverse compressive stress that results crushing of the rod, and high stress concentrations present at the grooves of the endfitting that initiate premature fatigue cracks. Based on the result of this study, enhanced design of the composite sucker rod system can be accomplished.