Open Access

ARTICLE

Numerical Simulation of Residual Strength for Corroded Pipelines

Yaojin Fan, Huaqing Dong^*, Zixuan Zong, Tingting Long, Qianglin Huang, Guoqiang Huang

Central China Branch of National Petroleum and Natural Gas Pipeline Network Group Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430020, China

* Corresponding Author: Huaqing Dong. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Intelligent Fault Diagnosis and Health Monitoring for Pipelines)

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring 2025, 19(3), 731-769. https://doi.org/10.32604/sdhm.2025.061056

Received 15 November 2024; Accepted 22 January 2025; Issue published 03 April 2025

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of residual strength in corroded pipelines within the Yichang-Qianjiang section of the Sichuan-East Gas Pipeline, integrating advanced numerical simulation with experimental validation. The research methodology incorporates three distinct parameter grouping approaches: a random group based on statistical analysis of 389 actual corrosion defects detected during 2023 MFL inspection, a deviation group representing historically documented failure scenarios, and a structural group examining systematic parameter variations. Using ABAQUS finite element software, we developed a dynamic implicit analysis model incorporating geometric nonlinearity and validated it through 1:12.7 scaled model testing, achieving prediction deviations consistently within 5% for standard cases. Our analysis revealed distinct failure mechanisms between large and small defects, with large defects exhibiting stress concentration at circumferential edges and small defects concentrating stress centrally. Quantitative analysis identified defect depth as the most significant factor, with every 1 mm increase reducing strength by 0.054 MPa, while defect length showed moderate influence at 0.0018 MPa reduction per mm. Comparative analysis demonstrated that circumferential defects exhibited 15% higher burst failure pressure compared to axial defects, though this advantage diminished significantly at depths exceeding 40% wall thickness. These findings, validated through experimental testing with deviations within 5%, provide valuable insights for pipeline integrity management, particularly emphasizing the importance of defect depth monitoring and the need for orientation-specific assessment criteria in corrosion evaluation protocols.

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Keywords

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