Numerical and experimental analysis of the effects of accidental cryogenic leakage in FLNG structures built with ASTM A131 GR EH36 steel
Numerical analysis; Thermomechanical; Cryogenic leaks; Thermal stress; Experimental test.
This work presents a numerical and experimental thermomechanical analysis of the effects of accidental cryogenic leaks on structures made with carbon steel ASTM A131 Gr. EH36. In this study, some experimental tests were carried out to determine the temperature gradient and induced thermal stresses in a steel plate (ASTM A131 Gr. EH36), widely used in shipbuilding, which could be generated by accidental leakage in some elements of the structures used in LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) exploration. The thermal gradient was achieved through the application of nitrogen liquid (LN2) in a portion of the plate, central region, through a containment made of polyurethane and EPS (expanded polystyrene), used to obtain the isolation of the contact region between the cryogenic fluid and the steel in contact with the external environment. The thermal stress was measured by strain gauges attached to the steel plate. Finally, the results of the experimental tests are compared to the numerical analyzes performed through the ABAQUS® program. A computational model that satisfactorily represents the thermal gradient and the induced stress generated by a cryogenic leak in an element made with ASTM A131 Gr. EH36 steel material was developed.