69 / 2021-10-19 13:43:20

On the thermal fluid-structure interaction analysis of the LNG cryogenic spring flexible pipeline

LNG pipeline,thermal-fluid-structure coupling,cryogenics,3D numerical simulation analysis

LNG transport behavior and its impact on the cryogenic pipeline are crucial to the safe operation of offshore gas production. This work presents a numerical study on the thermal fluid-structure interaction inside the LNG cryogenic spring flexible pipeline. A three-dimensional pipeline model is built and a thermal-fluid-structure coupling framework is established in Ansys FLUENT. The flow transport behavior involving heat convection and phase change is assessed and the corresponding structural response is analyzed. Parametric studies on the effect of inlet flow velocity, ambient temperature, and pipeline diameter on the structural deformation are performed. The simulation results provide valuable information on the safe operating condition of the LNG cryogenic spring flexible pipeline in the real application, making the LNG transportation process safer and more reliable.