FEM analysis for offshore structures
Finite element models of whole structures and their critical connections, analysed under realistic loads for linear and non-linear response, in ANSYS, SACS and MOSES.
- 6jack-up projects analysed in ANSYS
- 2model scales: global and local
- 3FEM platforms: ANSYS, SACS, MOSES
- 18+years in offshore engineering, since 2008
See how a structure really behaves before you change it
Finite element analysis simulates a structure's physical behaviour numerically, so a design can be checked and optimised before steel is cut. When an offshore vessel or rig is upgraded, it shows whether the structure will cope in every operating condition.
We model the structure globally and its connections in detail, apply loading that matches the real, complex conditions, and extract linear and non-linear responses.
Recent finite element models
Six kinds of FEM work
Global structural models
Whole hull, deck and substructure models to see how the structure carries load as a system.
Detailed connection models
Fine models of joints, brackets and foundations where a frame model is not enough.
Linear and non-linear response
Beyond linear elastic behaviour where yielding, large displacement or buckling matters.
Equipment foundations
Structural checks for new cranes, generators, compressors and reels before they are installed.
Lifting appliances
Lifting rings and brackets checked at their safe working load with the right factors of safety.
Damage and accidental loads
Damaged braces, deformed legs and accidental loads such as slipped drill pipe.
How we analyse, and what we load it with
Analysis types
Load conditions we model
- OperatingThe structure at work, with equipment and deck loads
- ElevatedA jack-up standing on its legs
- Transit and ocean towMotions and inertia loads while the unit is moved
- AccidentalEvents such as drill pipe slipping inside a mouse hole
From drawings to a checked result
- 1
Share drawings and loads
Structural drawings, equipment weights and the conditions the structure must survive.
- 2
Build the model
A global model of the structure and detailed local models of the critical connections.
- 3
Apply the load cases
Operating, elevated, transit and accidental cases, as the scope requires.
- 4
Solve and check
Stresses, deformations and buckling, compared against the allowable limits.
- 5
Report and drawings
Results and recommendations and, where in scope, reinforcement details and detailed drawings.
FEM projects we have delivered
16-inch mouse hole installation
Response of the mouse hole, substructure and drill floor to an accidental slip of heavy-weight drill pipe from 1 m above the bottom plate.
30-inch BOP two-point lifting ring
Feasibility of a lifting ring for a 30-inch BOP at its 32 MT safe working load, with boundary conditions and factors of safety.
Bow leg brace damage study
Local strength and buckling of a bow leg with three damaged braces, and the reinforcement needed for safe operation.
The tools we model in, and what you receive
Software
Follow a link to see our training course for that tool.
Authorized Bentley partner. We supply and train on SACS and MOSES across India and the Middle East. About the partnership
What you receive
Depending on the scope of the job.
- Stress and deformation plots
- Utilisation against allowables
- Buckling checks
- Reinforcement details
- Detailed drawings
What engineers ask about our FEM work
When do we need FEM rather than a beam or frame model?
When a connection, bracket or foundation is too complex for a frame model, when loads are local or accidental, or when the response may go beyond linear elastic. A global model can be combined with detailed local models of the critical areas.
Which software do you use for FEM?
ANSYS, SACS and MOSES, chosen to suit the structure and the analysis.
Can you analyse non-linear behaviour?
Yes. Our models extract both linear and non-linear structural responses under realistic, complex loading.
Which load conditions do you model?
Operating conditions, elevated and transit conditions for jack-ups, and accidental loads such as drill pipe slipping inside a mouse hole.
What will we receive?
A report with stress and deformation results and recommendations and, where the scope includes them, reinforcement details and detailed drawings.
Need a connection, foundation or modification checked?
Send us the drawings and the loads. An engineer will come back with questions and a scope for the model.