Clara Costa Hildebrandt

Abstract

Corrosion is a major cause of pipeline failure, requiring co nstant monitoring and evaluation of repairing necessity. In this work, a symmetri c model is developed in Ansys software for a three-dimensional simulation of a pipeline w ith localized loss of thickness, using the Finite Element Method. The loading of internal pressure is increased incrementally and the resulting equivalent stre sses are analysed, until the ultimate stress of the material is exceeded. After validatio n of a first model based on previous works avaiable in the literature, the radius value s of the two types of fillet are changed, in order to analyze the influence of these paramet ers on the failure pressure. Finally, a defect with a more realistic geometry is s imulated, and the profile of equivalent stresses and plastic deformation is co mpared with the result of the previous analyzes and with the failure pressure estimat e obtained by applying the relevant standards. The behavior of the model was found t o be qualitative and quantitatively compatible with the results of the literatu re, and it was observed that the parameters studied have not significantly impacted the fa ilure pressure

Advising

Advisor: Anjos, G. R.