Research on segmented control equations and mechanical properties of marine exploration well conductor

In studies on the mechanical response of conductors in offshore exploration wells, existing research typically focuses only on the portion above the mudline and simplifies the analysis by assuming a fixed constraint at the mudline or at a depth of six pipe diameters below it. Although this approach reduces computational complexity, it introduces significant errors. To address this issue, a segmented theoretical model of the conductor that accounts for soil-structure interaction is established based on the equilibrium of infinitesimal elements and D'Alembert's principle, in combination with the Morison equation and API guidelines. An iterative solution method is applied to accurately calculate the mechanical response of the conductor. Model accuracy is validated, and a field case is used to investigate the effects of wave height, current velocity, and wall thickness on the conductor’s mechanical characteristics. The results show that the maximum lateral displacement occurs in the underwater section, the maximum rotation angle occurs in the above-water section, and the maximum Mises stress is observed in the soil-embedded section. These findings enhance the predictive accuracy of the theoretical model and offer valuable guidance for engineering design.