Global Static Instability of Risers

Abstract

Global instability of risers depends on riser weight, internal and external fluid static pressure forces, tension exerted at the top of the riser, and boundary conditions. The purpose of this work is to study the effects of these factors on the stability boundaries of risers and specifically.(i) compare buckling loads for various boundary conditions; (ii) find the long-riser instability behavior from the asymptotics of the stability boundaries; (iii) find the short-riser instability behavior; (iv) analyze the relative effects of boundary conditions, weight, internal pressure, and bending rigidity on stability; (v) show the variation of the stability boundary shape with the order of the buckling mode; and (vi) compare the critical length at which risers in tension over their entire length may buckle due to internal pressure, for various boundary conditions.