Efficient Static Analysis and Design of Flexible Risers

An improved cable element for static analysis is presented based on the equations of an elastic catenary. The element includes an algorithm for adaptive discretization when fluid drag forces are present. Hence, a single element can be used to model many marine cables, regardless of length. The element is applied to flexible riser analysis and preliminary design, which is automated by solving a nonlinear programming problem. Results demonstrate that a practical automated design method can be developed following the procedure presented here.