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.
Highlights
Metal bellows are structural component in which a wavy shape is formed on the surface of a circular tube to introduce elastic property
Expansion joints used as an integral part of heat exchangers or pressure vessels shall be designated to provide flexibility for thermal expansion and to function as a pressure-containing element
Metal bellows are used as an expansion joint in shell and tube heat exchanger
Summary
Metal bellows are structural component in which a wavy shape is formed on the surface of a circular tube to introduce elastic property. Expansion joints used as an integral part of heat exchangers or pressure vessels shall be designated to provide flexibility for thermal expansion and to function as a pressure-containing element. Metal bellows are used as an expansion joint in shell and tube heat exchanger. It deals with vibrations, thermal expansion, and angular, radial, and axial displacements of components. Limited amount of research work has been carried out by some researchers working in the area of the expansion joint for shell and tube heat exchanger. The most comprehensive and widely accepted text on bellows design is the Standards of Expansion
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