Mechanics analysis and performance research of hermetic rubber barrel for large diameter submarine pipeline stopper used in deepwater environment

Abstract In this paper, a submarine pipeline stopper used in deepwater environment is proposed, and the force, deformation and sealing performance of the rubber barrel in each sealing stage are studied. Based on the Lame equation and the equilibrium equation of the rubber barrel, the mechanics model of the rubber barrel is established. Variation of distribution of the force, axial displacement, radial displacement as well as the stress of the five different hardnesses of rubber barrels during free deformation and contact deformation are analyzed. Compression deformation experiments of five kinds of rubber barrels’ hardness are designed based on theoretical analysis, and the theories are verified by the experimental data. The simulation results verify the correctness of the theoretical derivation. The results in this paper provide a basis for the selection of power and stroke for stopper in the submarine pipeline, and provide a reference for the study on impermeability and sealing performance.