PONDUS is a computer program that computes the dynamic lateral response of offshore pipelines subjected to wave and current action on a horizontal seabed.
PONDUS is a FEM formulation, based on 2-D elements which solves, in the time domain, the equations of motion of the pipeline in the horizontal plane using small deflection theory, but accounting for bending deformation effects on axial forces.
PONDUS features calculation of kinematics from 3-D irregular waves, several hydrodynamic force models, models for partial burial, non-linear, time dependent interaction between pipeline and soil (sand and clay) and non-linear pipeline material properties (for boundary elements).
This allows for detailed analysis of specific pipeline sections subjected to specified environmental conditions.
The PONDUS program system consists of four programs or modules. A complete dynamic response analysis of the pipeline must include a run of all modules. However, an efficient data base system simplifies the work during a complete study by storing input data and intermediate results (e.g. water particle velocities and accelerations).
The attributes of PONDUS are summarized below:
Pipe Structure
Soil Force
Hydrodynamic Force (lift force included)
Numerical Method
Published March 8, 2006
Egil Giertsen egil.giertsen@marintek.sintef.no Direct phone: +47 73 59 20 81
Fax: +47 73 59 26 60
pipelines@sintef.no