Design codes for offshore mooring systems recommend proof loading chain links to around 70% of the specified breaking load of the chain (API RP 2FP1, Lloyd’s Register). This is primarily to check that the chain will safely resist the service loads and will not excessively elongate. It is assumed that the proof load also generates compressive residual stresses at the interlink contact region and also at the point of the intrados (KT point) where a high stress concentration occurs during tensile loading. Tests have shown that proof loading improves the fatigue performance of chain under cyclic axial loads. Elastic-plastic finite element analyses of the proof loading have been performed. These analyses have shown that the proof loading also generates very high tensile residual stresses in the region surrounding the interlink contact zone. This region also experiences significant in-service cyclic stresses under cyclic tension or out-of-plane bending. The combination of the cyclic stresses and high tensile residual stress is of concern and it is proposed that the periphery of the interlink contact zone should be carefully reviewed. It is understood that chain link fatigue at present is only based on the risk of fatigue damage at the KT point. This paper presents and discusses results of finite element stress analyses of studless chains of different sizes and grades, and show the relative fatigue sensitivity of the KT and contact regions. The chain grade, dimensions and loading regime are shown to be important.

This paper presents a computational fatigue assessment method of mooring chains under tensile loading, it is composed of a mechanical analysis followed by a fatigue analysis. The mechanical analysis is performed in two steps: residual stress prediction and service loading. From this analysis, the shakedown cycle is extracted at the critical points, ie: the asymptotically stabilized stress-strain cycles. As the mooring chain under service loading is under elastic shakedown, the Dang Van fatigue criterion is applied for the fatigue analysis. The accuracy of the proposed fatigue assessment method is proved by comparing with the experimental results from full-scale fatigue testing of mooring chain in seawater. The numerical results match both the experimental observations with respect to the localization of the damage zone and the lifetime.

Nagra is currently developing design concepts for canisters for the deep geological disposal of spent fuel and high-level waste. A feasibility evaluation study was done to assess a number of candidate canister designs and materials. The potential canister options were assessed with regard to longterm safety by considering mechanical integrity, environmental damage and potential impact on the geological barrier. Manufacturing feasibility, sealing, inspection as well as potential cost were also assessed. A canister concept, based on a thick-walled forged carbon steel substrate coated with copper, was favourably assessed. As a result, development work was undertaken to refine the copper-coated canister design. Different lid designs and closure configurations were considered, using finite element analysis, to determine the limit load by plastic yielding and buckling and to determine safety margins under the design load. In addition, finite element fracture analyses were performed to determine stress intensity factors at the closure weld root. A hemispherical lid with a partially penetrating weld at a depth of 25-32 mm, having a root gap in the axial direction, was found to be fit for purpose while offering the potential to avoid post-weld heat treatment. An evaluation of relevant welding processes for closure welding of the selected joint design was then carried out. The potential welding processes were ranked based on a number of criteria linked to the maturity of the technique, the quality of the resulting weld, the properties of the weld material, and the applicability of the technique to the current canister design and the requirements of deployment in a hot cell.

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