INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF CRACK ORIENTATION AND DEFECTS ON PIPELINE FATIGUE LIFE THROUGH FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Abstract

In response to the steady rise in global demand for energy resources such as gas and oil, there is a pressing need to enhance the efficiency and safety of pipeline transportation systems. These systems, integral for transferring vast amounts of energy, must operate under increasingly higher pressures and larger diameters without compromising reliability. This study focuses on utilizing finite element analysis (FEA) to investigate the influence of crack orientation and the presence of defects on the fatigue life of pipelines. By simulating internal pressure scenarios and examining various defect characteristics with the AFGROW software, this research applies damage tolerance principles to offer insights into the fatigue behavior of pipelines. The findings can be applied to extend the operational life and ensure the integrity of these critical infrastructures, thereby supporting the sustainable and safe transport of energy resources.