Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Conclusions
From the previous study it is observed that each geometric parameter like
diameter of bellow, material thickness, shape of convolutions, number of
convolutions, pitch of convolutions, height of convolution, number of plies, etc. has
several implications on the stresses behavior, design factors and performance.
For an example thickness of material has effects on the strength, stability and
fatigue life cycle of bellow. Also the design of expansion joint involves structural
and thermal aspects. Hence, the determination of an acceptable design is very
critical and complicated. In the present study each geometric parameter is studied
for the performance aspect and several performance tests indicates effect of
design parameters. Final conclusions from the study are mentioned below.
Ph. D. thesis on “Study of Design Aspects of Expansion Joints with Metallic Bellows and their Performance Evaluation”
253
8.1.1 Geometric parameters - Stress Relationship:
2. The major stresses in bellows results from the effect of pressure and
deflection. Normally the deflection stresses are higher than the pressure
stresses, and are generally above the yield point of the bellows material.
6. Multiple plies of the bellow material, increases the overall thickness of the
material, by which strength of bellow increases. It is obvious that higher
thickness bellows can withstand higher pressure. But multiply arrangement
is advantageous, as the inner ply can be used as high corrosion resistant
material and outer ply will be higher strength material for load resistance.
Ph. D. thesis on “Study of Design Aspects of Expansion Joints with Metallic Bellows and their Performance Evaluation”
254
But if simply taking higher thickness in single ply will reduce its fatigue life;
as bellows undergo low cycle fatigue. The following table suggests
performance of stresses while compared with equivalent single ply bellow.
(Figure 4.4 and 4.5)
8. Height of convolution is the most significant parameter for axial spring rate
of the bellows. If height of convolutions increases, bellow can take higher
axial and lateral movements. But this will increase the longitudinal stress in
the bellow. Height of convolutions also affects the stability of bellows. As
height of convolutions increases, column stability increases, while in-plane
stability decreases. So, height of convolutions should be selected optimum
in the bellow. (Figure 4.10 and 4.11)
Ph. D. thesis on “Study of Design Aspects of Expansion Joints with Metallic Bellows and their Performance Evaluation”
255
pitch and length of bellow are essential parameters for the specific
application. Equalizing rings in the pitch slots will increase the overall
column strength of bellows. Pitch of convolutions should be optimum.
(Figure 4.15 and 4.16)
10. For high internal pressure applications, toroidal shaped bellows should be
used. Since toroidal convolutions (spherical shape) possess higher
strength compare to any other shape of convolution. But, toroidal shaped
expansion joints provide minimum axial movements. (Table 7.5)
Ph. D. thesis on “Study of Design Aspects of Expansion Joints with Metallic Bellows and their Performance Evaluation”
256
3. Short bellows having Lb/Db less than transition point factor; the in-plane
critical pressure is always less than column squirm critical pressure. [3] This
observation agrees with the analytical approach of EJMA.
4. From experiments it has been observed that, the short bellows (Lb/Db ≤ Cz),
initially deformed by in-plane squirm and subsequently deformed by column
squirm. Using equation 3. 20
2
P w
Longitudinal bending stress, S4 = Cp
2 n t p
EJMA relation is very near to this equation, along with end condition
constants, which are used for design of columns. (Equation 3.5)
0.87 Ac S y 0.73 Lb
Column critical pressure, Psc = 1
Db q C z Db
1. Bellows with less spring rate are soft (flexible), while bellows with higher
spring rate are stiffer. We desire more flexibility and higher strength from
expansion joints.
Ph. D. thesis on “Study of Design Aspects of Expansion Joints with Metallic Bellows and their Performance Evaluation”
257
Normally stiffness (spring rate) is evaluated for each convolution, hence,
number of convolution (N) and pitch (q) will be unity.
5. It is observed that the working spring rate (fw) of bellow is always higher
than initial spring rate of bellow. The working spring rate (fw) depends on
the amount of axial deformation made by each convolutions and static
force of inside fluid. Increase in convolution movement and static pressure
leads towards higher working spring rate. This is a dynamic parameter of a
bellow.
Ph. D. thesis on “Study of Design Aspects of Expansion Joints with Metallic Bellows and their Performance Evaluation”
258
3. Fatigue life of a bellows is influenced by the combined stress range
induced by pressure and deflection. The multiply construction with lower
thickness enhances the fatigue life of bellows.
3. FEA may be used for stress analysis for the expected results, but
periodically validation of results by experimental methods is necessary.
Experimentation gives more reliable verification of design process. The
experimental testing gives assurance to the customers.
5. Bellows undergo low cycle fatigue. To evaluate the number of life cycles of
a bellow requires a special test rig. Reliable experimental test data can be
generated only after multiple tests. But due to lack of experimental test
facility, fatigue tests are not included in the study. Also multiple tests
require many test specimens, which involves very high cost is definitely a
constraint. Hence, experimental study of individual parameters of fatigue
life is not covered.
Ph. D. thesis on “Study of Design Aspects of Expansion Joints with Metallic Bellows and their Performance Evaluation”
259
8.3 Future Scope of Study:
This study is mainly based on design aspects of expansion joints. The further
study can be enhanced by following ways.
3. Fatigue life tests are very costly affairs for even industry people, hence
using fatigue module of FEA software to bellows, can be more useful for
the industry for prototype of experimentations.
Ph. D. thesis on “Study of Design Aspects of Expansion Joints with Metallic Bellows and their Performance Evaluation”
260