Comparative study of the performance of top-tensioned composite and steel risers under vortex-induced loading

Sie sind hier: Homepage > Suche

Comparative study of the performance of top-tensioned composite and steel risers under vortex-induced loading

Omar, A.F. / Karayaka, M. / Murray, J.J.

Current efforts on the development of composite riser joints have been mainly focused on low-cost manufacturing and failure strength evaluation of tube body and joint connection. The effect of material properties, such as structural damping and structural stiffness, on the riser performance under hydrodynamic loading, e.g., the Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) has not been addressed to the same level as other issues. In this paper, two top-tensioned steel and composite risers identical in operational capacity are used to study the effect of structural mass and damping on the characteristics of VIV. The study considered tension capacity requirements, VIV-induced local stress, VIV amplitudes, and damage rates as the aspects of the comparison between steel and composite riser configurations. The comparisons revealed that composite risers have superior dynamic response characteristics compared to steel risers. For example, the maximum VIV stresses induced in the composite riser is about 50% of that induced in the steel riser. This indicates that the composite risers would have considerably longer fatigue lives compared to steel risers.