Catenary riser testing

摘要

Apparatus and methods related to catenary riser testing are described. For example, some embodiments may contain a ground platform, elevated deck, a catenary-shaped testing sample, a fixed clamp on one end of the testing sample and a rotatable clamp on the other end of the testing sample, and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders for controlling the vertical and horizontal positions and motions of the elevated deck and the positions and rotations of the rotatable clamp, for analyzing the characteristics of the testing sample, such as its touchdown point dynamic motions and stresses.

主权项

1. An apparatus to test a catenary shape of a testing sample in response to a motion, comprising:
a ground platform; an elevated deck above the ground platform; a plurality of actuators coupling the elevated deck and the ground platform, wherein the plurality of actuators creates at least art of the motion; a rotatable clamp to receive and fasten onto a first end of the testing sample, wherein the rotatable clamp is rotatably connected to the elevated deck; and a fixed clamp to receive and fasten onto a second end of the testing sample, wherein:
the fixed clamp is fixed relative to the around platform; andthe fixed clamp is located lower than and away from the rotatable clamp so the testing sample assumes the catenary shape under its own weight when supported at the first and the second ends by the rotatable clamp and the fixed clamp.