Tensioner

The tensioner component is available for elastic contact surface description only.

The function of the tensioner is to grip and apply tension to the pipeline during the lay operation.

In dynamic analysis the tensioner accounts for the pipeline pay out or pay in to prevent large oscillations in the pipeline tension.

This is modeled as a dynamic boundary condition with respect to the applied axial force, e.g. the applied load is T0 plus/minus a dead band range.

Outside the dead band range the load is constant. The applied load which acts in the longitudinal direction of the pipe, is formulated as a discrete element load.

During static analysis the tensioner applies a constant load, T0, to the pipeline.

1. Parameters

  • Applied load: Applied load during static analysis

  • Max load: Maximum load transmitted from the tensioner

  • Min load: Minimum load transmitted from the tensioner

  • Pipeline displacement: Pipeline displacement through the tensioner for a load variation of Max load - Min load. The stiffness is derived as STIFF = (Max load - Min load) / Pipeline displacement

  • Direction: Direction of applied load relative to the local x-axis of the element going through the tensioner, options are:

    • 1.0 — Load acts in local x-axis direction

    • -1.0 — Load acts opposite to local x-axis