Determination of curve characteristics by its discrete points measured with an error and its application to stress analysis for buried pipeline.

The problem of reconstruction of a continuous spatial line of a pipeline by the discrete points measured with some error is solved. For the problem solution, a non-iteration numerical algorithm is proposed, according to which each measured point of the pipeline is treated as a compliant support. The algorithm is based on the method of initial parameters and accounts for the concept of 'an incompatibility angle' between two adjoining measured sections of a pipeline axis. Using methods of the probability theory, the analysis is performed, which allows one to assess the accuracy of the reconstructed position of a pipeline and obtained stress values. Accuracy of calculations executed by means of the developed algorithm has been verified using the results obtained by analytical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]