Low-Order Lateral Buckling Analysis of Submarine Pipeline Under Thermal Stress

Abstract

The lateral buckling is the main failure mode for unburied submarine pipelines. Buckling mode analysis shows that the second lateral buckling mode has greater probability of occurrence. Analytical solution to the second buckling mode is obtained based on small deformation theory and Hook’s law. The relationships between the buckling temperature and the amplitude or the wavelength of the buckle segment are established as well. Analytical tools are applied to predict the occurrence and the consequence of in-service buckling of a heated pipeline in an oil field. The effects of temperature difference and properties of subsoil on the buckling mode are investigated. The analyzing results show that buckling will occur once the temperature difference exceeds the safe temperature and the larger the friction coefficients, the safer the submarine pipeline.