A Forward Sensitivity Analysis and Design of U-shaped Bellows Considering the Radial Compensation Capability Under Internal Pressure

Abstract

Bellows serve as integral component within a piping system, which withstand displacement loads and internal pressure loads. In this study a forward design process considering the sensitivity of the structural parameters of the bellows to the bending stiffness and strength is provided. The sensitivity analysis of structure design parameters, such as convolution height, convolution pitch, ply thickness, and convolution number, on radial compensation capability of U-shaped bellows under internal pressure is conducted. The influences of the geometric parameters on the strength performance of U-shaped bellows under internal pressure and radial displacement loads are also investigated. In order to improve the radial displacement compensation ability and to obtain better pressure resistance performance, a mathematical model is established to describe the performance of bellows and multi-object optimization of bellows is conducted. The results show that the ply thickness has the greatest impact on bending stiffness and strength, and the optimized model has lower stiffness and higher strength compared to the initial model.