Line theory: Line end conditions

Except for free ends, the connection at the line end is modelled as an isotropic ball-joint with a rotational stiffness and a preferred no-moment direction. A rotational stiffness value of zero represents a freely rotating end; a value of infinity, a clamped end.

The inclusion of end stiffness allows OrcaFlex to calculate the curvature and bending moment at the termination. If the curvature is large, the calculated value will be accurate only if sufficiently short segments have been used to model the line near its end.

OrcaFlex reports results for end force and end force Ez angle. These are,respectively, the magnitude of the end force and the magnitude of the angle between the end force vector and the no-moment direction. These end force and angle values provide a basis for the design of end fittings such as bend stiffeners.