The Determination of the Expansion Forces in Piping by Model Test
Abstract The paper describes apparatus for testing models of piping installations to determine the forces set up in the full-size installation due to expansion. The method consists in fixing one end of the model in a slide which can be moved a measured amount, and measuring the forces at the other end by means of a fixture which holds that end rigidly in place and permits measurement of six forces in three coordinate planes, which are the equivalent of forces in coordinate directions plus moments in coordinate planes. The slide of the movable end is placed so that its direction of motion coincides with the direction of the pipe expansion. A complete example is given showing the steps in determining the end reactions of an inlet pipe for a steam turbine.