Analysis of Falling Object Impact and Fishing Net Drag for Subsea Integrated Fiberglass Protective Structures

Objective: This study aims to improve the safety of subsea oil and gas production facilities by designing an integrated fiberglass protective structure. Glass fiber-reinforced materials, noted for their lightweight, high strength, and corrosion resistance, are evaluated for subsea protection applications. The focus is on assessing the structural stability and impact resistance under falling object impacts and fishing net drags. Methods: A fiberglass protective structure was designed based on the layout and protection needs of subsea oil and gas facilities. Finite element numerical calculations (ABAQUS) analyzed the structure's performance under impact scenarios. Key parameters like deformation and stress responses were evaluated to ensure the design meets safety criteria. Results: Simulations showed the fiberglass structure performed well under tested conditions. A falling object impact of 0.24s resulted in a maximum deformation of 1,187.6mm and a stress of 172.3MPa. At 0.31s, the highest stress was 228.2MPa, with a deformation of 1,031.9mm. Under a 50kN drag load, directional load impacts on structural integrity were negligible, indicating robust performance. Conclusion: The fiberglass protective structure offers excellent stability and impact resistance, effectively protecting subsea facilities. Numerical simulations confirm that the structure meets design requirements, with controlled deformation and stress levels under impact and drag loads, highlighting the potential of fiberglass for offshore applications.