Experimental and numerical investigations of polyurethane materials for offshore applications

This paper outlines the main results of an experimental and numerical investigation to assess the mechanical properties of three polyurethane material for potential employ in joint pipes used in hydrocarbon offshore plant applications. The experimental campaign, carried out at the Department of Structural Engineering of Technical University of Milan, includes monotonic and viscous tests on polyurethane materials and specimen of steel or composite components linked by polyurethane. The joint mechanical behaviour has been numerically simulated by Saipem through finite element analyses taking into consideration the adhesion between polyurethane and steel or composite material.