Ocean Structures Nucleus

The Ocean Structures Nucleus (NEO-COPPE/UFRJ) develops experimental tests and analytical and numerical models for the design and structural analysis of flexible and rigid risers, pipelines, submarine umbilicals, drilling columns and risers, offshore structures and naval panels. It cooperates intensively with the oil and gas industry. The laboratory is dedicated to the study and evaluation of conditions and parameters that affect the mechanical resistance of structures, on real or reduced scales, used in the offshore industry, as well as their behavior in limit states of collapse, fatigue, instability and fracture. The laboratory features modern testing equipment and infrastructure used for education and industry-led research. Samples and components are tested in uniaxial loading arrangements by tension and compression, pure flexion, flexion-tension and flexo-compression, with and without thermal loads in addition to internal or hydrostatic pressure. A variety of inspection techniques, non-destructive testing equipment and systems for monitoring structural integrity and behavior are used to identify failures or deformations in components. The laboratory specializes in planning and executing tests on samples and components, both standardized and non-conventional, and develops specific procedures, protocols and rules for each project. Industrial-scale samples are commonly tested or verified in the laboratory.