Fatigue of mooring chain links subjected to out-of-plane bending: Experiments and modeling. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mamiya, E.N.; Castro, F.C.; Ferreira, G.V.; Nunes Filho, E.L.S.A.; Canut, F.A.; Neves, R.S.; Malcher, L.
• Is Part Of: Engineering failure analysis. Volume 100(2019)
• Page Start: 206
• Page End: 213
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Mooring chain -- Out-of-plane bending -- Life prediction; System failures (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Fracture mechanics -- Periodicals; Reliability (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Pannes -- Périodiques; Rupture, Mécanique de la -- Périodiques; Fiabilité -- Périodiques; Fracture mechanics; Reliability (Engineering); System failures (Engineering); Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2019.02.055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-6307

Abstract

Abstract: This work presents an experimental apparatus for fatigue testing of chain links subjected to out-of-plane bending. The test consists of a pre-tensioned chain segment subjected to a cyclic transverse displacement of the middle link, resulting in out-of-plane bending of the adjacent links. Aiming to obtain new data for the evaluation of fatigue-life prediction methodologies, eight tests were designed considering different interlink angles and mean stress levels. The tests were conducted with positive interlink angles, a condition typically found in the fairlead/mooring chain system. A stress-based fatigue analysis using the Smith-Watson-Topper parameter yielded life estimates within factor-of-three boundaries. This very good correlation resulted from a combination of factors: a fatigue parameter that considers the mean stress effect, its calibration using test data from specimens with a surface condition similar to that of the chains, and a reasonable engineering estimate of the stress at the hotspot. Highlights: Experimental apparatus for fatigue testing of chain links under out-of-plane bending New experimental data with positive interlink angle Stress-based fatigue life estimates within factor-of-three boundaries. Conventional design rules may produce nonconservative life estimates.