Finite element analysis of propagating buckles

A finite element technique is described for the analysis of propagating buckles in deep‐water pipelines, accounting for large deformation, elastoplastic material behaviour and contact between regions of the interior wall of the pipe. Within the framework of a Lagrangian formulation and a convected co‐ordinate system, nine‐node isoparametric shell finite elements are employed along with contact elements. They are equipped with a so‐called...