Wear Analysis of NiTi Sand Screens Using Altair Discrete Element Method

Abstract

This research explores discrete element method analysis to investigate the wear of NiTi Sand Screens in comparison to traditional materials. The study utilized Altair EDEM v2022.2 software and employed Oka and Archard models to simulate the wear behavior of Nitinol, a well-established Shape Memory Alloy (SMA). The mechanical properties considered include Poisson’s ratio, solid density, shear modulus, and Young modulus. Results indicate significantly higher wear values and deformations with the Oka model compared to negligible wear with the Archard model. The Oka model’s emphasis on impact as the primary wear mechanism, supported by high normal cumulative energy, better represents sand screen wear phenomena. Additionally, this study indicates that factors such as particle size distribution and normal and tangential cumulative contact energy hold potential as predictors of wear response and characteristics. The Oka model demonstrated that NiTi exhibited reduced wear losses compared to SUS630 and Cr–Mn white cast iron, both of which are recognized for their high toughness when subjected to an impact load. Experimental analysis validated the simulation findings with morphological and graphical erosion plots. The limitation of observing the shape memory effect through DEM (discrete element method) simulation was acknowledged. Recommendations include characterizing post-wear microstructural changes, exploring the influence of temperature on wear behavior, and further research to refine wear models and understand SMA sand screen responses.

Sand screens application and performance for sand control: A review of selection criteria, screen materials, and causes of failure

“…Table 2 highlights the ongoing material enhancements to address sand screen erosion, with particular attention to material response, especially surface properties. It should be highlighted here that, few research has been done on the use of shape memory materials (SMM) such as shape memory polymers (SMP) and shape memory alloys (SMA) as sand screens to produce oil and gas [ 32 ]. However, they have been applied in aerospace, robotics, electronics, civil, medical and automobile industry [ 33 ].…”