Dynamic analysis of an offshore pipe laying operation using the reel method

A system designed for a rigid and flexible pipe laying purposes is presented in the paper. Mathematical and numerical models are developed by using the rigid finite element method (RFEM). The RFEM is an efficient solution in the time domain. Static and dynamic problems related to pipe installation are solved by taking the advantage of simple interpretation and implementation of the method. Large deformations of the pipe during spooling and when it is reeled out at sea are considered. A material model implemented is used to take into consideration nonlinear material properties. In particular, the full elasto-plastic material characteristics with hardening and Bauschinger effect are included. Dynamic analyses are performed and the results attached in this work demonstrates how the sea conditions influence the machinery and pipeline, assuming a passive reel drive system. The influence of several other operational parameters on dynamic loads is verified. An active system, implemented as a part of the mathematical model, improves the system performance. Some results are presented as well.