Special Element Types |
 
|
Special Element Types |
|
Flexcom is based on a 3D hybrid beam-column element with fully coupled axial, bending and torque forces, for reliable and accurate modelling of slender offshore structures. A truss element is also available which is better suited to structures with very low structural bending stiffness. Additionally, a wealth of practical modelling features means that almost any offshore system can be simulated. Specialised elements include:
•Springs describes the spring element facility.
•Hinges and Flex joints describes these two articulation-type elements.
•Tapered Stress Joints describes the facility to model a section of linearly increasing diameter.
•Bend Stiffeners describes the facility to model a bend stiffener such as is typically used to prevent excessive bending at the termination of a flexible riser.
•Dampers describes the facility to directly model local damping effects.
•Winches describes these unique beam elements whose lengths can vary during an analysis.
•Point Masses and Point Buoys describes these two features which simulate concentrated mass. The point buoy offers comprehensive hydrodynamic modelling options.
•Drag Chains describes the facility to simulate the presence of chains connected to a near-bottom structure.
•*SPRING ELEMENT is used to define the stiffness characteristics of spring elements.
•*NODE SPRING is used to specify the stiffness and direction of node springs.
•*HINGE is used to specify hinge elements.
•*FLEX JOINT is used to define flex joint elements.
•*TAPER is used to assign properties to a set of elements that collectively comprises a tapered stress joint, typically in a model of a rigid riser.
•*STIFFENER is used to define the properties of a conical bend stiffener positioned on a flexible riser or pipe.
•*NONLINEAR STIFFENER is used to define a stress-strain curve for a non-linear bend stiffener.
•*DAMPER is used to define damper elements.
•*DAMPER DATA is used to define time-varying coefficients for use with damper elements.
•*WINCH is used to define winch elements.
•*MASS is used to specify a point mass or a point rotary inertia.
•*POINT BUOY is used to define point buoys and their associated hydrodynamic properties.
•*DRAG CHAIN is used to include drag chains in the structural model.