Net Savings

Abstract

Engineers at Selantic Industrier performed a drop test simulation with Accupak/VE Mechanical Event Simulation software to determine the limits of a protection net for a new ELF off-shore oil platform currently under development in the North Sea. The finished structure will stand on three legs that can move up and down. With the legs retracted, the platform can float into position; then the legs can be extended, first to touch the seabed and then to raise the platform above the ocean surface. Selantic's engineers decided to study the problem by using engineering software to simulate a steel container landing in the net and bouncing back. They chose Accupak/VE, mechanical event simulation software for virtual prototyping from Algor Inc. of Pittsburgh. The simulation showed that the net would be stretched permanently under the loading used in the model. Selantic expects to conduct small-scale prototype tests to confirm the simulation results. This testing will replace full-scale testing that would have been necessary without the event simulation. This translates into a decrease in the time and cost of materials needed during physical prototype testing.