Platform, Pipeline and Subsea Technology

Introduction to Structural Fatigue

Rod Pinna

Structural Fatigue
Fatigue is the process by which a crack can form and then grow under repeated or fluctuating loading The loads required to cause fatigue cracking may be much less than the static design load Fatigue cracking is a localised process

Structural Fatigue
Typical fatigue failure in an offshore jacket structure

Example Fatigue Failure

Alexander L. Kielland (1980) Accomm / drilling rig Less than 2 years old Capsized when member failed due to fatigue 212 died

Fatigue Loading

But fatigue loading in engineering structures is rarely constant amplitude

Random Fatigue Loading

Fatigue loading in offshore structures is commonly associated directly with waves Random Process

Fatigue Loading
However, fluctuating loads may also be associated with: Construction, transportation, installation Pressure variations (pipelines) Vortex induced vibrations Weight variations (cranes, live loads) Temperature variations Machinery induced vibrations

Fatigue is Cumulative

Importantly, fatigue is a cumulative process

The fatigue damage due to one set of loads can be added directly to the fatigue damage due to another set of loads

Fatigue Loading
Random loads can be described in the Time or Frequency domain:

Fatigue of Welded Structures

Welded Structures are particularly susceptible to fatigue failure Because: 1. 2. 3. They are joints - stress concentrations They are likely to contain fatigue crack initiators High tensile residual stresses exist in the weld region

Stress Concentrations
Hot Spot Stresses

Fatigue Crack Initiators

Microscopic intrusions exist at the toe of welds and these act as fatigue crack initiators

Intrusions at weld toe approx 0.1 0.15 mm deep

Tensile Residual Stresses

Due to solidification and cooling of weld bead

Tensile Residual Stresses

Fatigue stresses vary from yield stress downwards Entire stress range is damaging from viewpoint of fatigue Stress Range is important parameter describing fatigue loading

S-N Curve
Describes results of constant amplitude fatigue tests

Note logarithmic axes

Tubular Joints
Based on hot spot stress range

Note scatter in test results So: Design curve = mean curve 2 Std Dev

Other Factors Affecting Fatigue

Steel strength: No Effect
So a stronger steel wont fix a fatigue problem

Plate Thickness: Thicker plate = lower fatigue performance

Must correct S-N curves for this effect

Environment: Corrosive environment (e.g. seawater) removes endurance limit

Must use appropriate S-N curve

Toe Grinding

Improving Weld Fatigue Performance

Peening

Improving Weld Fatigue Performance

Potentially large benefits BUT Expensive and requires skill Therefore not usually specified in design

Homework
Please read Sections 1 to 2.4 before we next meet

Questions