On modeling the dynamics of pipelines: Finite element approach

Pipeline health is crucial to the continuous and uninterrupted flow of oil, gas, or any liquid. Pipelines in the oil industry are critical, where any damage or loss in their integrity; imply massive environmental and economic cost. Therefore, an a priori prediction of failure is of particular interest and can be a key to safe and interrupted operation of pipelines. To accurately predict failure, some sort of a pipeline model is needed. In this work, two Finite element models are discussed. One is carried out with a solid element, and the other with a pipe element. Dynamic model of the pipeline is constructed using a linearized Galerkin-based method constructed from mode shapes and modal frequencies obtained using ANSYS finite element analysis. Validity of both models benchmarked against experimental results and conclusions are drawn based on agreement between modal frequencies predicted by the model verses actual modal frequencies obtained from experiments.