Abstract: Systems and methods for fluid transfer between a first vessel and a second vessel that are separated by a body of water. The systems and methods may include extending a deployed portion of a fluid conduit assembly between the first vessel and the second vessel. The fluid conduit assembly includes a fluid conduit and also may include a fluid conduit support; and, in the deployed portion, the fluid conduit may be suspended from and supported by the fluid conduit support. The systems and methods also may include the use of a conformation control assembly to automatically and/or dynamically adjust the length of the deployed portion to regulate a conformation of the deployed portion.

Abstract: A framework for determining or predicting the capacity of a structure. The framework includes predicting the capacity of the structure utilizing a physics-based prediction model. The prediction model may be constructed from a variety of numerical analysis approaches. The prediction model further incorporates at least one material physics process, at least one geometry description, and at least one limit state. The limit states may include collapse, tensile fracture, and buckling. The framework calls for validation of the predicted capacity of the structure via experimental verification or other methods. In some embodiments, the structure is a pipeline for producing hydrocarbons and the modes of operation may include parametric studies, Monte-Carlo type distributions, or stand-alone values.