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Diameter Inputs

There are a number of different element diameters you can specify when inputting geometric properties in the Flexible Riser format. Specifically you can input values for:

•Internal diameter

•Drag diameter

•Buoyancy diameter

•Outer diameter

•Contact diameter

This section discusses the significance of each of these diameter inputs in order to eliminate any possible ambiguity or confusion. Diameters Summary shows this information in a convenient table format.

In the Flexible Riser format, diameter data you specify is used in three ways. Firstly, it is used in calculating forces on an element from a variety of sources as part of setting up the finite element equilibrium equations. Secondly, it is used in calculating hoop, bending and von Mises stress output from the results of an analysis, this being a purely postprocessing operation. Thirdly, it is used to calculate the effect of coatings. Coatings are the subject of a separate section.