Finite element simulation study of pipe structure damage based on rough surface parameters

Abstract This paper investigates the correlation between single parameters of pipeline damage (i.e., central angle, axial width, and surface roughness) and damage index values, treating surface roughness as a key characteristic parameter for modeling damaged surface morphology. First, a rough surface damage model was established using Gaussian distribution parameters based on ABAQUS finite element software. Subsequently, pipe finite element models with varying damage center angles, axial widths, and surface roughness parameters were constructed. Damage index values were calculated by extracting piezoelectric signals and performing wavelet packet decomposition, followed by analysis of the variation patterns in the damage index matrix. The study revealed that, with other parameters held constant, the damage index monotonically increases with the damage central angle. However, it exhibits a non-monotonic trend—first decreasing and then increasing—with increases in damage axial width and surface roughness. Based on the fitting curve between the damage index and the severity of roughness-corrosion damage, the damage level can be rapidly identified and its development trend predicted. Furthermore, incorporating the surface roughness parameter enhances the realism of the damage model, providing a reliable finite element analysis method for pipeline damage diagnosis based on surface morphology.