Fatigue Reliability of Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipes under Combined Axial and Internal Loads
Keywords:
Thermoplastic pipes, fatigue reliability, combined loading, structural integrity, damage accumulationAbstract
The extensive deployment of reinforced thermoplastic pipes in offshore and onshore energy transportation necessitates a rigorous understanding of their structural integrity under complex operational conditions. This paper investigates the fatigue reliability of these composite tubular structures when subjected to simultaneous axial tension and cyclic internal pressure. As energy sectors transition toward deeper waters and alternative fuels such as hydrogen, the mechanical demands placed on flexible piping systems have increased substantially. Current design methodologies frequently evaluate axial and hoop stresses independently, potentially underestimating the synergistic damage accumulation that occurs within the complex multilayered architecture of these pipes. Through a comprehensive analytical framework combined with detailed descriptive models of damage mechanics, this study evaluates how the interaction between internal pressure fluctuations and constant or variable axial loads accelerates structural degradation. The research delineates the distinct failure modes of the inner thermoplastic liner, the intermediate reinforcing layers, and the outer protective jacket. Furthermore, a probabilistic reliability assessment framework is presented to account for the inherent uncertainties in material properties, manufacturing tolerances, and load histories. The findings indicate that combined loading significantly alters the fatigue life trajectory, shifting the dominant failure mechanism from simple layer rupture to complex inter-layer delamination and matrix cracking.
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