Eduardo Aquino Menezes Soares

Abstract

This work describes the development and design parameters exploration of a hydraulic damping system intended for the installation of heavy subsea modules whose operational requirements render conventional damping solutions ineffective. The operating principle is based on a piston filled with seawater which, when expelled through lateral orifices, generates the pressure loss necessary for energy dissipation. The methodology employed involves the creation of mathematical models solved using the Finite Difference Method (FDM) in Python, applying a fourth-order Runge-Kutta algorithm to ensure numerical stability. The project incorporated Design of Experiments (DoE) techniques to efficiently explore a sample space of 1,440 simulations. The analysis of results consisted of filtering scatter charts to identify configurations that minimized critical pressures and accelerations on the components. The selection criteria focused on achieving a balance between damping efficiency and manufacturing feasibility. As a final outcome, the study established an optimal design, defining specific constructive parameters such as piston diameter, number of holes, and orifice row distribution. In conclusion, the integration of numerical simulation and organized case selection enabled the safe validation and sizing of an innovative product for the oil and gas industry

Advising

Advisor: Anjos, G. R.