Analysis of Pipes Containing Plain and Gouged Dents

Abstract: The paper discusses numerical results obtained for pipes subjected to transverse denting by a rigid indenter. Dents produced by different shapes of indenters are assessed for the amount of cross‐sectional distortion of the pipe and for propagation of this distortion along the length of the pipe. The contact area between the rigid indenter and the deformable pipe, as well as between the pipe and the rigid support is calculated for different loading configurations and for different shapes of indenters. Pipe supports considered include elastic springs, a rigid saddle and a rigid plate. In numerical work, axial cracks and gouges of different sizes have been introduced to the pipe's outer surface. Damaged pipes are then subjected to denting and results, including denting forces, distortion of the cross‐sectional area and limit loads are compared with the corresponding results obtained for non‐dented and non‐gouged geometries as well as with non‐dented but gouged cases. Finally, selected numerical results are compared to experimental data in order to demonstrate the adequacy of the adopted modelling and analysis approach.