fe-analyst-orcaflex-discretization

name	fe-analyst-orcaflex-discretization
description	Sub-skill of fe-analyst: OrcaFlex Discretization (+3).
version	1.0.0
category	engineering
type	reference
scripts_exempt	true

OrcaFlex Discretization (+3)

OrcaFlex Discretization

OrcaFlex segments are the mesh elements. Each segment has:

• Length: controls resolution along the structure
• Bend stiffness: EI of the element
• Mass: lumped at nodes

Mesh Quality Criteria

def assess_mesh_quality(segment_lengths, OD, min_radius_of_curvature):
    """
    Assess FE mesh quality for a slender structure.

    Returns a dict of quality flags.
    """
    L_max = max(segment_lengths)
    L_min = min(segment_lengths)
    ratio = L_max / L_min

    # Rule 1: Segments should not be longer than ~5×OD in regions of high curvature
    max_seg_high_curve = min_radius_of_curvature * 0.1  # ~10 segs per 90° arc

    # Rule 2: Adjacent segment length ratio (gradual variation)
    from itertools import pairwise
    adjacent_ratios = [max(a, b) / min(a, b) for a, b in pairwise(segment_lengths)]
    max_adj_ratio = max(adjacent_ratios)

    # Rule 3: Minimum segment — avoid < OD/2 (over-discretized)
    over_refined = any(L < OD / 2 for L in segment_lengths)

    return {
        "total_segments": len(segment_lengths),
        "L_min_m": L_min,
        "L_max_m": L_max,
        "global_ratio": ratio,
        "max_adjacent_ratio": max_adj_ratio,   # flag if > 3.0
        "over_refined_segments": over_refined,
        "high_curvature_adequate": L_max <= max_seg_high_curve,
        "pass": max_adj_ratio <= 3.0 and not over_refined and L_min > 0.01,
    }

Mesh Report Table Format

Mesh Summary:
┌─────────────────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┐
│ Region              │ N segs   │ L_min [m]│ L_max [m]│ Ratio    │
├─────────────────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┼──────────┤
│ Top section         │ 20       │ 0.50     │ 1.00     │ 2.0  ✓  │
│ Mid catenary        │ 150      │ 1.00     │ 2.00     │ 2.0  ✓  │
│ TDP zone            │ 30       │ 0.25     │ 1.00     │ 4.0  ✗  │
│ Seabed section      │ 50       │ 1.00     │ 2.00     │ 2.0  ✓  │
└─────────────────────┴──────────┴──────────┴──────────┴──────────┘
TOTAL: 250 segments | PASS: 3/4 regions

Refinement Guidelines by Region

Region	Guideline	Reason
TDP zone	≤ 0.5 × D	Highest curvature, most critical for fatigue
Sag bend	≤ 1.0 × D	Second-highest curvature
Free catenary	≤ 5.0 × D	Low curvature — efficiency
Seabed (laid)	≤ 3.0 × D	Axial walking, upheaval
Near clamp/BSJ	≤ 0.2 × D	Local stress concentration
Mooring at fairlead	≤ 2.0 × D	Curvature under vessel offset
Stinger (S-lay)	≤ 0.5 × D	Bending control critical

---