Security improvement for oil and gas pipeline infrastructure

This research has been inspired by security concerns due to the recent increase in the terrorist threat to gas and crude oil transportation around the world, especially in regions that are of significant value for the energy supplies. Computational mechanics methods will be used in this research to apply shock wave analysis for possible damage assessment of the affected pipelines. These methods may be also used for pipelines at power plants (especially nuclear), which are usually placed high on the homeland security priority list. The main goal of this research is focused on establishing effective simulation methodology to study the influence of shock waves (caused by explosion) on pipeline systems (buried, on surface, or underwater) to ensure their security. This study is primarily focused on the behaviour of a pipeline subjected to the shock wave produced by the detonation of highly explosive (HE) materials. The results of this study will primarily allow for analysis of the blast wave propagation and the resulting damage inflicted by the pipeline. Outcomes of this research are important in preventing damage progression of pipelines under the blast loading. This data will also be used to develop improved design guidelines for safer and less vulnerable pipelines. The study allows for determining a type of structure of the high energy absorbing protective system.