Marine risers are used for deep-water applications. They are subjected to special loads that arise due to high-pressure and high-temperature (HP-HT) conditions in addition to the corrosion problems that exist in the ocean environment. A marine riser should be able to withstand both axial tension and bending moments while remaining flexible to withstand fatigue loads. Conventional materials like duplex stainless steel and carbon-manganese steel, are commonly used but they need to be replaced with an alternate material that has better strength and increased functional characteristics. Functionally graded materials (FGM), whose structural properties are varied along their volume to perform an intended function, are now finding wide application in the marine industry. This book focuses on the application and use of marine risers in the ocean environment fabricated with functionally graded materials (FGM). The introductory chapter outlines the various types of marine risers currently available. Marine risers of different geometric and layout configurations are discussed in detail.
Common problems like corrosion that are extremely challenging are also discussed. Chapter two addresses fabrication and manufacturing of functionally graded materials and their application and use in marine risers. A functionally graded materials mould is then subsequently investigated by various structural and metallurgical examinations to assess its suitability as an alternate material in the marine environment. Several characteristics of the newly developed FGM are compared with other conventional materials to explicitly highlight the superiority of the newly developed FGM. Further chapters focus on novel design methods such as VIV suppression systems for risers with detailed experimental investigations carried out on cylinders and a chapter on advanced materials such as titanium and composites and their application and use in the marine environment. The book is then concluded, with selected case studies. Design of Marine Risers with Functionally Graded Materials will be a valuable reference resource for researchers and practicing professionals working in the offshore industry or various engineering disciplines such as civil, structural, mechanical, materials science or pipeline engineering.