Numerical Investigations on Characteristics of Stresses in U-Shaped Metal Expansion Bellows

Abstract

Metal expansion bellows are a mechanical device for absorbing energy or displacement in structures. It is widely used to deal with vibrations, thermal expansion, and the angular, radial, and axial displacements of components. The main objective of this paper is to perform numerical analysis to find various characteristics of stresses in U-shaped metal expansion bellows as per the requirement of vendor and ASME standards. In this paper, extensive analytical and numerical study is carried out to calculate the different characteristics of stresses due to internal pressure varying from 1 MPa to 2 MPa in U-shaped bellows. Finite element analysis by using Ansys14 is performed to find the characteristics of U-shaped metal expansion bellows. Finally, the results of analytical analysis and finite element method (FEM) show a very good agreement. The results of this research work could be used as a basis for designing a new type of the metal bellows.

Parametric design analysis of meridional deflection stresses in metal expansion bellows using gray relational grade

“…The development of plastic hinges formed on the crown and the corrugation root induces the columnar deformation through some mechanism for both internal and external pressures [21]. Circumferential membrane stresses found very lower than meridional stresses under axial internal pressure [22,23]. Numerical methods, in general, are adopted to find out mechanical parameters such as stiffness and displacements, and formulas are applicable when the Poisson ratio, µ ˂ 0.5.…”

A combined numerical and experimental study on metal expansion bellows for STHE

“…The study and analysis on characteristics of stress can be found in the further papers [3]. The analysis of an axial bellow expansion joint at elevated temperature has been carried out in [4] using theory of contact modelling. Igi [5] proposed a double convolution bellows to reduce excessive deformations due to heat expansion, vibration, nonuniform subsidence of ground, etc., whereas Newland [6] studied buckling analysis of corrugated bellows expansion joints subjected to internal pressure.…”

Numerical and Analytical Investigation on the Effect of Dynamic Characteristics of Metal Expansion Bellows

“…Zhu et al [8] have investigated the effect of environmental medium on fatigue life for U-shaped bellows expansion joints. Gawande et al [9] have carried out extensive analytical and numerical study to calculate the different characteristics of stresses due to internal pressure varying from 1MPa to 2MPa in U-shaped bellows. Finite element analysis by using ANSYS 14 is performed to find characteristics of U-shaped metal expansion bellows.…”

“…Gawande et al [1] have developed the mathematical model for axial natural frequency of bellows, He has performed the numerical and modal analysis for natural frequency of axial vibration of metal expansion bellows and compare the analytical results with experimental results. From the literature survey, it is seen that number of researchers have worked on study and applications of different types of bellows under various working conditions, their comparison, manufacturing processes and few are working on fatigue life enhancement [9]. But investigations on need for selection of proper material of bellow for given application, their proper design, stresses induced, fatigue life analysis, prediction of failure, investigations on various characteristics of different bellows and vibration effect is essential.…”