A comparative study between several methods for the marine drilling riser analysis is carried out. One static analysis method and four dynamic methods are studied. The dynamic analysis methods used are two time domain methods using regular and random waves, and two frequency domain methods using the conventional and an improved linearization methods.
Three different sizes of risers are investigated. The analysis model of the structure is based on the beam-column element with lateral loads in a vertical plane. The forces on the riser are calculated using a modified form of the Morison's equation. The finite element method is used to solve the equation for several wave/current conditions.
