Prediction of Cycle Life of Flexible Pipe Bellows

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between maximum stresses produced and cycle life of different shaped bellows expansion joints. Flexible pipe bellows which have been selected in the present study are made of stainless (STS 304) and (STS 316) material based on two types of (axial, and axial with control ring) with three shapes of bellow section (U-shape, Ω-shape and disc-shape). Our calculation is done using simulation model written by MATLAB. The simulation results show that, U-shaped bellow has smaller internal pressure-induced stress, longer fatigue life, and is more suited for higher internal pressure situations. The most essential bellow design factor is the correct specification of the bellow movement requirements.