Three-dimensional Lump-Mass formulation of a catenary riser with bending, torsion and irregular seabed interaction effect

A three-dimensional Lump-Mass formulation of a catenary riser, capable of handling irregular seabed interaction, with bending and torsional stiffness is presented in this paper. This formulation uses only three degrees of translational freedom and one independent torque variable for each computational node. The generality of the present formulation permits static and dynamic analyses of a wide range of offshore-related slender structure systems such as mooring cables, rigid and flexible risers as well as submarine pipelines. Four sets of results are presented for (i) a hanging catenary, (ii) as (i) but subjected to end torsion, (iii) a wire, chain and spring buoy mooring and (iv) a steel catenary riser on an irregular seabed.