Finite Element Model Simulation Analysis of Expansion Conditions for Expansion Pipes Based on ABAQUS

Abstract Expansion pipe engineering technology is an important and efficient petroleum engineering technology that has rapidly developed in recent years. It has unique advantages and roles in engineering applications such as drilling, completion, well repair, and reservoir transformation, and has become a unique technology for solving major engineering problems in multiple fields. However, A fundamental incompatibility persists between the excessive radial expansion force exerted by the expansion pipe and the insufficient strength of the expansion pipe in the material selection process. This limitation significantly impedes the broader adoption and technological advancement of the method. To evaluate the expansion characteristics and operational parameters of expansion pipes fabricated from varying materials, this paper uses ABAQUS software to establish a finite element model and simulate several specifications of expansion pipes. Through comparison of experimental and simulation results, the predicted values of the two simulated expansion cones have an error of 0.4% and 6.5% compared to the actual test values, demonstrating high simulation accuracy. In addition, the effects of material mechanical properties and friction coefficients on expansion pipe forces were investigated. Results indicate that materials with higher yield strength exhibit greater tensile forces during expansion. Furthermore, as the expansion rate increases, yield strength significantly influences the resultant reaction forces. Under identical expansion rates, a higher friction coefficient correlates with increased wall thickness reduction and diminished longitudinal shrinkage.