Expansion joint question

[reesh]

Hi,

I'm currently modeling a piping system with several expansion joints in it. The expansion joints are covered by metal braided hose to prevent excessive longitudinal expansion.

I'm having trouble coming up with a way to model the hose. I've modeled expansion joints with tie rods a number of times, but haven't had to do hose before.

If anyone could point me to some sort of resource or offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated!

(I'm actually using AutoPipe, but there doesn't seem to be a forum for it and I've used Caesar before so I'm hoping the solution is similar)

 

[richay]

The only thinkg I can think of is to alter the axial stiffness of the bellows to account for the hose. I'd suggest you ask the vendor for this data, and "modeling suggestions.

Richard Ay
COADE, Inc.