FATIGUE LIFE OF TLP FLEXELEMENTS

This paper presents a methodology for estimating the fatigue life of elastomer/steel flexelements. Flexelements are laminated composites usually consisting of between 10 and 25 elastomer layers, each bonded to a rigid laminar reinforcing shell. Such flexelements are used as TLP tendon flexjoints, and drilling riser ball joints. Test programs have been devised to qualify flexjoints for use in specific TLP structures, e.g. Hutton, Jolliet and Snorre. The program has undertaken a systematic study of flexelement fatigue life characteristics.