Buckling Considerations for U-Shaped Bellows Utilized in Flexible Metal Hoses

Author(s):  
Dennis K. Williams

This paper describes some of the considerations for evaluating the structural adequacy of flexible metal hoses utilized in a petro-chemical or process type environment. Specifically, the issues associated with the instability of the metal U-shaped bellows, from which the hose derives its overall flexibility and name, are reviewed and discussed in detail. In an effort to provide a comprehensive examination of the flexible hose’s use in the petro-chemical industry, a discussion of the applied mechanics associated with both column buckling of the bellows (also known as “squirm”) and in-plane buckling is presented. Results from a non-linear column buckling finite element analysis (FEA) of the U-shaped bellows are described and compared against previously published theoretical works on the instability of shells of revolution and most specifically, toroids. The applied loads in the finite element analyses include both internal pressure and transverse displacements (i.e., translations perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hose/bellows assembly). In addition, the guidance provided by the rules of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association Standards (EJMA) with regard to squirm are also reviewed and discussed. Finally, the results of both the theoretical and analytical investigations into the squirm phenomenon are utilized to identify some very practical solutions and recommendations to avoid the possibility of catastrophic failure of U-shaped bellows from column type instability.

Author(s):  
Dennis C. Deegan ◽  
Dennis K. Williams

This paper is the third in a series that describes the materials, fabrication, installation, and applied mechanics considerations surrounding the catastrophic failure of a bellows component within a metallic flexible hose. The subject flexible hose was utilized in a compressor piping system attachment juncture to a petro-chemical piping system designed in accordance with the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code. Specifically, the ultimate failure mode issues related to the instability of the metal u-shaped bellows, from which the hose derives its overall flexibility and name, are reviewed and discussed in detail. In an effort to provide a comprehensive examination of the use of the flexible hose in the petrochemical industry, a discussion of the materials, fabrication methods, installation, and, applied mechanics associated with column buckling of the bellows (also known as “squirm”) are presented. A metallurgical failure analysis is presented to identify and document the mode of failure and metallurgical condition of the wire braid and bellows components of the hose. In addition, material examination results, including the discovery of inherent flaws from the fabrication process, are presented and the significance of the findings is presented. The selection process for this particular type of flexible hose (and bellows component) for eventual installation in a vibratory service environment is reviewed in light of the published recommendations provided by the rules of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association Standards (EJMA) with regard to squirm are also reviewed and discussed. Finally, a summary of the elastic-plastic finite element analysis of the u-shaped bellows is briefly described and compared against previously published theoretical works on the instability of shells of revolution and most specifically, toroids. The results of the theoretical, empirical, and analytical forensic investigations into the squirm phenomenon are utilized to identify some very practical recommendations in an effort to minimize the probability of catastrophic failures of u-shaped bellows from column type instability.


Author(s):  
Dennis K. Williams

This paper describes the analytical and empirical analyses conducted in the catastrophic failure of a flexible hose utilized in a petro-chemical environment. Specifically, the issues associated with the instability of the metal u-shaped bellows, from which the hose derives its overall flexibility and name, are reviewed and discussed in detail. In an effort to provide a comprehensive examination of the flexible hose’s use in the petro-chemical industry, a discussion of the applied mechanics associated with column buckling of the bellows (also known as “squirm”) is presented. In addition, the fabrication details that also proved detrimental to the structural adequacy of the subject flexible hose are highlighted. Results from an elastic-plastic finite element analysis of the u-shaped bellows are described and compared against previously published theoretical works on the instability of shells of revolution and most specifically, toroids. The applied loads in the finite element analyses include both internal pressure and transverse displacements (i.e., lateral offset). Furthermore, the guidance provided by the rules of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association Standards (EJMA) with regard to squirm are also reviewed and discussed. Finally, the results of the theoretical, empirical, and analytical investigations into the squirm phenomenon are utilized to identify some very practical solutions and recommendations to avoid the possibility of catastrophic failure of u-shaped bellows from column type instability.


2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-364
Author(s):  
Yusuf Aytaç Onur ◽  
Hakan Gelen

Abstract In this study, the stress on portal crane components at various payloads has been investigated theoretically, numerically and experimentally. The portal crane was computer-aided modeled and finite element analyses were performed so that the most stressed points at the each trolley position investigated on the main girder could be determined. In addition, the critical points were marked on the portal crane, and strain gages were attached to the those critical points so that stress values could be experimentally determined. The safety factor values at different payloads were determined by using finite element simulation. Results indicate that the most stressed component in the examined portal crane is the main girder. Experimental results indicate that the maximum stress value on the main girder is 3.05 times greater than the support legs and 8.99 times larger than the rail.


2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. L. Falkingham ◽  
K. T. Bates ◽  
L. Margetts ◽  
P. L. Manning

The occurrence of sauropod manus-only trackways in the fossil record is poorly understood, limiting their potential for understanding locomotor mechanics and behaviour. To elucidate possible causative mechanisms for these traces, finite-element analyses were conducted to model the indentation of substrate by the feet of Diplodocus and Brachiosaurus . Loading was accomplished by applying mass, centre of mass and foot surface area predictions to a range of substrates to model track formation. Experimental results show that when pressure differs between manus and pes, as determined by the distribution of weight and size of respective autopodia, there is a range of substrate shear strengths for which only the manus (or pes) produce enough pressure to deform the substrate, generating a track. If existing reconstructions of sauropod feet and mass distributions are correct, then different taxa will produce either manus- or pes-only trackways in specific substrates. As a result of this work, it is predicted that the occurrence of manus- or pes-only trackways may show geo-temporal correlation with the occurrence of body fossils of specific taxa.


Author(s):  
Elizabeth K. Lai ◽  
G. K. Ananthasuresh

Abstract This paper is concerned with the shape optimization of structures to attain prescribed normal mode shapes. Optimizing structural members in order to have desired mode shapes, besides the desired natural frequencies, is of interest in some applications at both macro and micro scales. After reviewing the relevant past work on the “inverse mode shape” problem, a feasibility study using the lumped spring-mass models and finite element models of an axially vibrating bar is presented. Based on the observations made in the feasibility study with bars, a meaningful optimization problem is formulated and solved. Using finite element analysis and numerical optimization, a method for designing beam-like structures for prescribed mode shapes is developed. The method is demonstrated with an example of designing the cross-sectional area profile of a beam along its longitudinal axis to get a desired fundamental mode shape. The nonuniqueness of the solution is noted and avenues for future research are identified.


Author(s):  
Charles Fourcade ◽  
Minji Fong ◽  
James Axline ◽  
Do Jun Shim ◽  
Chris Lohse ◽  
...  

Abstract As part of a fatigue management program for subsequent license renewal, a flaw tolerance evaluation based on ASME Code, Section XI, Appendix L may be performed. The current ASME Code, Section XI, Appendix L flaw tolerance methodology requires determination of the flaw aspect ratio for initial flaw size calculation. The flaw aspect ratios listed in ASME Section XI, Appendix L, Table L-3210-2, for austenitic piping for example, are listed as a function of the membrane-to-gradient cyclic stress ratio. The Code does not explicitly describe how to determine the ratio, especially when utilizing complex finite element analyses (FEA), involving different loading conditions (i.e. thermal transients, piping loads, pressure, etc.). The intent of the paper is to describe the methods being employed to determine the membrane-to-gradient cyclic stress ratios, and the corresponding flaw aspect ratios (a/l) listed in Table L-3210-2, when using finite element analysis methodology. Included will be a sample Appendix L evaluation, using finite element analysis of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) pressurizer surge line, including crack growth calculations for circumferential flaws in stainless steel piping. Based on this example, it has been demonstrated that, unless correctly separated, the membrane-to-gradient cyclic stress ratios can result in extremely long initial flaw lengths, and correspondingly short crack growth durations.


Author(s):  
Malcolm H. Ray

A method of comparing two acceleration time histories to determine whether they describe similar physical events is described. The method can be used to assess the repeatability of full-scale crash tests and it can also be used as a criterion for assessing how well a finite-element analysis of a collision event simulates a corresponding full-scale crash test. The method is used to compare a series of six identical crash tests and then is used to compare several finite-element analyses with full-scale crash test results.


Author(s):  
Phuong H. Hoang ◽  
Bostjan Bezensek ◽  
Howard J. Rathbun

Finite element analyses (FEA) have been used to study the effects of multi-axial loadings on bending limit load of local wall thinned pipes. It has been shown by investigators that torsion can be combined with bending moments using SRSS (Square Root of the Sum of the Squares) method for planar flaws with a limited axial extent. The treatment of torsion for non-planar flaws, which exceed the axial extent limit, will be a subject for future investigations. Since the reported FEA results are for various pipe sizes, flaw shapes with different mesh sizes, element types and computer codes, a set of benchmark problems was proposed and analyzed by participating investigators. The benchmark analysis results are presented in this paper.


Author(s):  
T. Sriskandarajah ◽  
Venu Rao

Accurate determination of residual ovality is an important parameter for a successful deployment of single pipeline and pipe-in-pipe in deep waters wherein the integrity of empty pipes during installation depends upon the collapse resistance under external hydrostatic pressure. The reel-lay process of installation during which pipeline undergoes multiple strain cycles due to spooling, reeling and straightening has a significant bearing on pipe ovalisation and hence accurate determination residual ovality at the end of straightening process is one of the key inputs. It is industry practice to use numerical finite element analysis techniques to predict residual ovality of pipelines as full scale testing is expensive and time consuming. In view of the importance of residual ovality on the pipeline integrity particularly for deepwater applications, an integrated approach of testing and finite element simulation have been used to identify the correct numerical model that predicts residual ovality accurately. This paper discusses the full scale tests performed which include material testing and bend tests performed to simulate spooling and straightening process and the pipeline deformations recorded using laser measurements at different cycles of bending process. The paper presents a brief summary of numerical finite element analyses performed to validate the test results and the effect of element types and material models used in the finite element analyses on the predictability of residual ovality. The material evolution models and their effect on the predictability of remaining ovality are discussed in the paper. Comparisons are made on the predictive residual ovality for reel lay process on single pipe and pipe-in-pipe. The effect of residual ovality on the pipeline integrity for the lateral buckling limit state under combined bending and external pressure are discussed in the paper.


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