Mechanical behavior and wrinkling of lined pipes

Abstract

The paper focuses on wrinkling of lined pipes (sometimes referred to as clad pipes) under bending loading, where a corrosion-resistant thin-walled liner is fitted inside a carbon–steel outer pipe. The problem is solved numerically, using nonlinear finite elements to simulate liner pipe deformation and its interaction with the outer pipe. Stresses and strains are monitored throughout the deformation stage, detecting possible detachment of the liner from the outer pipe and the formation of wrinkles. The wrinkling behavior of elastic and elastic–plastic (steel) lined pipes under bending is examined. The results indicate that the lateral confinement of the liner pipe due to the deformable outer pipe and its interaction with the outer pipe has a decisive influence on the wrinkling behavior of the lined pipe. It is also shown that the behavior is characterized by a first bifurcation in a uniform wrinkling pattern, followed by a secondary bifurcation. The values of corresponding buckling curvature are determined and comparison with available experimental results is conducted in terms of wrinkle height development and the corresponding buckling wavelength. The results of the present research can be used for safer design of lined pipes in pipeline applications.