Simulative Analyses of Dynamic Buckling of Bellows

Abstract

Simulative analyses of dynamic buckling have been performed for bellows of piping expansion joints for FBR plants using an explicit finite element computer code “RADIOSS.” Deformation modes were well simulated in comparison with the associated test results. As for critical buckling pressures, values obtained in the analyses were about 50 percent higher than test values, and further improvement is needed. This paper presents these analytical results and discussion. The associated test results are also reviewed for the arrangement of validation of the analyses.