Finite element analysis of an offshore jacket structure

This paper investigates the finite element study of static structural loading of forces acting on a single leg of an offshore jacket structure. ANSYS suite version 12.0 is used to create the finite element modeling and analysis of the jack up leg. The jack up leg model is subjected to environmental forces in the transverse direction at the top location and stress loading due to the weight of the hull acting in the vertical direction; suitable boundary conditions are set in place to simulate a jack up leg which is fully fixed at the bottom of the sea bed. The jack up leg is meshed with pipe16 elements and finer regions of mesh are established nearer to the bottom of the jack up leg where it is attached to the spud can. The joint where the highest stress occurs is further investigated in this paper using ANSYS Workbench. The effect of welding on the joint is also studied. It was found that the point of highest stress of the joint coincides with the position of the weld-toe. Therefore special attention should be taken during design and maintenance to prevent accidents from occurring.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering