Abstract:In order to determine the test loading cases for offshore flexible risers and umbilicals, an analytical model and an finite element model were used to investigate bend deformation of an elastic beam loaded by axial tension and transverse concentrated shearing forces. The influence of tension, transverse shearing fore and bend stiffness on the bend deformation was discussed. Then the relation between the curvature at the middle of beam and multiaxial loads was expressed. The results show that the results from the analytical model and the numerical model agree well, which validates the analytical model. Then, concave curvature distribution appears in the middle region of the beam induced by axial tension. The middle curvature value reduces rapidly, meanwhile the curvature distribution is more smooth, as axial tension increases or shearing forces decreases, however, first grows then falls along with bend stiffness reducing. Additionally, the fitting equation of the curvature at the middle of beam and multiaxial loads could meet requirements of engineering accuracy.