Research on the Integration Methods for Fiber Optic Sensors in Deep Sea Mining Flexible Pipes

CUI Xinyu; XU Wanhai; WANG Yingying; SHEN Fei; KE Liaoliang

doi:10.21656/1000-0887.460110

Volume 47 Issue 6

Jun. 2026

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Article Navigation > Applied Mathematics and Mechanics > 2026 > 47(6): 799-813

CUI Xinyu, XU Wanhai, WANG Yingying, SHEN Fei, KE Liaoliang. Research on the Integration Methods for Fiber Optic Sensors in Deep Sea Mining Flexible Pipes[J]. Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, 2026, 47(6): 799-813. doi: 10.21656/1000-0887.460110

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Research on the Integration Methods for Fiber Optic Sensors in Deep Sea Mining Flexible Pipes

doi: 10.21656/1000-0887.460110

CUI Xinyu^1
,,
XU Wanhai²,
WANG Yingying³,
SHEN Fei^{1, 2},
KE Liaoliang^{1, 2
,
,}

1.
School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
2.
National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Construction and Operation of Water Conservancy Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China
3.
School of Safety and Ocean Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, P.R. China

Received Date: 2025-06-03
Rev Recd Date: 2025-08-22
Publish Date: 2026-06-01

Abstract

Abstract

Based on the health monitoring requirements for unbonded flexible pipes in deep-sea mining operations, the integration process schemes for optical fiber sensors with flexible pipes were investigated. Three integration processes (the aramid fiber rope and sensor winding, the pre-impregnated tape with embedded sensors, and the lining grooving for sensor placement) were designed, and the effects of different process parameters on mechanical performances of sensors and flexible pipe structures werw analyzed through finite element simulations. Simulation results indicate that, in the aramid fiber rope winding process, variations of the tension force and the winding angle minimally affect sensor elongation rates and inner liner layer stresses, both below material limits. For the pre-impregnated tape embedding scheme, changes of the tension force and the winding angle do not significantly compromise the sensor performances. For the lining grooving solution, under an internal burst pressure load of 60 MPa, the sensor elongation rate exceeds its limit, posing a risk of failure. A comprehensive evaluation demonstrates that, the aramid fiber rope winding process offers low stress, high reliability, and process simplicity, making it the optimal choice. This research provides a theoretical foundation and a process optimization strategy for sensor integration of deep-sea flexible pipes.
- deep-sea mining,
- unbonded flexible pipe,
- sensor,
- integration process,
- finite element simulation

(Contributed by KE Liaoliang, Member of the Editorial Board of AMM)

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References(27)

References

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