Dynamic Analysis on 3-D Motions of Deep-ocean Mining Pipe System for 1000-m Sea Trial

摘要

Based on the poly-metallic nodule deep-ocean mining system of COMRA’s 1000-m sea trial, a FEM model of pipe system is built with ANSYS, which consists of steel lifting pipe, pump, buffer station and flexible hose. The modeling methods for 1000-m pipe system introduced in this paper are convenient to simulate the various 3-D motions of integrated mining system. Some essential characteristic and transient behaviors of pipe system are investigated and evaluated by simulation, including: (1) Pipe system’s launch and retrieval behaviors; (2) The configuration of pipe system in deep-ocean, putting emphasis on the flexible hose with concentrated buoyancy; (3) Several towing motions of track-keeping operation. A comparable trial model with similar characters in towing tank is used to verify the accuracy of the results of the FEM model.