Research on rockfall scratch damage of FRP-coated oil and gas pipelines based on finite element method

Oil and gas pipelines, as vital arteries for energy transportation, play a crucial role in ensuring the supply of energy. However, under harsh geological conditions and external forces, the pipeline's anti-corrosion layer is susceptible to damage, particularly the destruction caused by external forces such as rockfall. This study focuses on the performance of a new type of anti-corrosion material-Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) coating-under rockfall scratch, and compares it with Polyethylene (3PE) coating. By establishing a three-dimensional finite element model of the pipeline and rockfall, the study simulates the scratch process of rockfall on FRP and 3PE coated pipelines, analyzing the impact of various parameters on the coating damage. The results indicate that the FRP coating has a significant advantage in resisting rockfall damage, effectively dispersing and absorbing the impact force, thereby reducing damage. Moreover, parameters such as rockfall moving velocity, angle, penetration depth, and coating thickness significantly affect the degree of damage to the FRP coating. This research provides theoretical basis and technical support for the protection of oil and gas pipelines, which is of great importance for enhancing the safety and reliability of pipelines.