Numerical Analysis Assessment of the Contact Pressure Between the Flexible Pipe Outer Sheath and the I Tube Interface Equipment for Wearing Research Program

Wellstream is carrying out a research program to provide the adequate knowledge of the interaction between the flexible pipes outer sheath and the I-tube interface equipment used in the field. Wellstream has already completed a full scale dynamic test which was used also to evaluate the wearing behavior of this specific region of the flexible pipe. As a continuation of the mentioned research program Wellstream developed a FEA model of the test rig in order to assess the contact pressure between the flexible pipe outer sheath and the I-tube interface equipment used in the test during the full scale dynamic test. The numerical model used in this assessment was prepared based on the test sample dimensions and test rig characteristics in order to reproduce the actual test condition. Model calibration approach is based on the rigs reaction forces and displacements measured during its execution with strain gauges specially positioned in the test rig’s interest area. This paper introduces the test rig numerical model and presents a comparison between the contact pressure originated by the test loads and the ones expected for the field. Results show that the full scale test contact pressures are significantly higher than the ones expected for the field operation, making the performed test conservative to evaluate the wearing behavior in the field.