The existing, widely used charts and equations for evaluation of unreinforced bellows were evaluated by parametric elastic finite element analysis. The prediction of meridional bending stress due to pressure and displacement were found to be relatively accurate. However, the prediction of membrane stress was found to deviate significantly from the finite element results. The cause of this discrepancy was discovered and is described in this paper.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Keywords:
pressure vessels, stress analysis, joining processes
Topics:
Bellows (Equipment), Stress, Pressure, Membranes
1.
Anderson, W. F., 1964, “Analysis of Stresses in Bellows, Part I: Design Criteria and Test Results,” NAA-SR-4527 (Pt. I), Atomics International Division of North American Aviation.
2.
Anderson, W. F., 1964, “Analysis of Stresses in Bellows, Part II: Mathematical,” NAA-SR-4527 (Pt. II), Atomics International Division of North American Aviation.
3.
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4.
Becht, IV, C., and Skopp, G., 1981, “Stress Analysis of Bellows,” Metallic Bellows and Expansion Joints, ASME PVP-Vol. 51, eds., R. I. Jetter et al.
5.
Osweiller, F., 1989, “Design of an Expansion Joint By a Finite Element Program-Comparison with the EJMA Standards,” Metallic Bellows and Expansion Joints—1989, ASME PVP-Vol. 168, eds., C. Becht IV et al., pp. 87–94.
Copyright © 2002
 by ASME
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