A study on the axial behavior of bonded flexible marine hoses Gabriel M. Gonzalez 1 • Jose ´ R. M. de Sousa 1 • Luis V. S. Sagrilo 1 Received: 11 May 2015 / Accepted: 25 June 2016 / Published online: 6 July 2016 Ó Sociedade Brasileira de Engenharia Naval 2016 Abstract Bonded flexible marine hoses are frequently used in offshore offloading operations. The proper perfor- mance of these hoses throughout the service life is important. Many studies have been developed considering the global dynamic behavior of such hoses; however, only a few considered its local structural behavior. The present work aims to better understand the local mechanics of these hoses by proposing both a numerical and an analytical model. The first approach is based on a finite element model, which is constituted of continuum and REBAR finite elements. The first type of elements aims to represent the elastomeric matrix, whereas the second is introduced in order to properly represent both the polymeric and the metallic reinforcements. The second approach is based on an adaptation of a well-known analytical model for the axisymmetric behavior of bonded and unbonded flexible pipes. The present paper analyzes a 20 00 bonded flexible marine hose subjected to different axisymmetric loads. The stiffness of the hose and the stresses and strains in each of its components are computed using both models and compared to reference values found in the literature. In a general manner, the results agree well, thus indicating that both models are promising tools for the design of these structures. Keywords Finite element method Á Structural analysis Á Offloading hoses List of symbols A Cross-sectional area a Medium radius E Modulus of elasticity e Thickness G Transversal elasticity modulus F Axial tension force I Second moment of inertia J Polar moment of inertia L Length of the hose l Length of tendons M Number of elastomeric layers N Number of armor layers n Number of tendons P int Internal pressure P ext External pressure R s Armor response contribution R m Elastomeric response contribution R b Contact response contribution V Volume a Armor laying angle b Type of layer constant d Variation of a following quantity m Poisson ratio U Rotation of the hose r t Axial tension in the armor r L Axial tension in the elastomer r H Circumferential tension s xy Shear tension between layers e z Axial strain e y Circumferential strain c xy Shear strain & Gabriel M. Gonzalez gabriel.gonzalez@coc.ufrj.br Jose ´ R. M. de Sousa jrenato@laceo.coppe.ufrj.br Luis V. S. Sagrilo sagrilo@coc.ufrj.br 1 LACEO, Civil Engineering Department, COPPE/Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Pedro Calmon s/no, Cidade Universita ´ria, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-972, Brazil 123 Mar Syst Ocean Technol (2016) 11:31–43 DOI 10.1007/s40868-016-0015-x