Research PaperComparison of numerical formulations for the modeling of tensile loaded suction buckets

The tensile resistance of a suction bucket is investigated using three different numerical formulations. The first formulation utilizes the three-field u-p-U formulation accounting for solid and fluid displacements, u and U, as well as the pore-fluid pressure, p. The two other formulations comprise the simpler u-p formulation in its dynamic and quasi-static form, accounting only for solid displacement and pore-fluid pressure. As basis for comparison, the tensile resistance of a single suction bucket is investigated using a velocity-driven model for a wide range of velocities. It is found, that the quasi-static u-p formulation is sufficient for most relevant velocities.