Fatigue life prediction of umbilicals considering non-linear stress

Abstract

The fatigue problem induced by wave loads and floater movements of dynamic umbilicals in deepwater is studied. The prediction method of the fatigue life is investigated by considering no-linear local stress due to contact and friction between components of the umbilical. A case study of a dynamic umbilical for 1500 meters depth in South China Sea was presented. The results showed that the more accurate result of the fatigue life was calculated by considering non-linear local stress. The fatigue life by considering local stress with the no-slip assumption was conservative. An obviously longer fatigue life was obtained by considering local stress with the full-slip assumption.