Dynamic Response of the Casing String in Seabed Soil for Deepwater Drilling

Abstract

The marine riser has transfer dynamic cyclic load to the top of casing string when deepwater drilling operating. Considering with the nonlinear characteristics of seabed soil, the variable string cross section, and the axial load on the top of string, a dynamic differential equation of casing string below mud line and its numerical solution were established. Results illustrate that, the lateral displacement, the bending moment, and the shear of the casing string are not equal when lateral dynamic cyclic loading achieves amplitude due to the soil hysteresis effect. The diameter and wall thickness of conductor have less affect to string vibration frequency, cannot adjust the string natural frequency by adjusting these parameters. The natural frequency of casing string in sand is bigger than it in clay. The undrained shear strength of soil has great effect on the natural frequency of casing string in clay. The lateral displacement amplitude is highest when the vibration frequency of casing string at its natural frequency.