Experimental Investigation and Numerical Analysis on Fatigue Life of Bellows

Abstract Bellows are complex shaped components which are widely used in pipe lines where the expansion and compression of the pipe occurs and absorbs the mechanical vibrations too, in high corrosion and high temperature environments. The constant movement and load which acts on the bellows leads to failure of the bellows. Thus, predictions of the fatigue life of the bellows are necessary. This paper investigates the fatigue behaviour of U shaped hydroformed bellows. The developments of meridional stress in bellows were found using the finite element method. The fatigue tests were conducted at room and elevated (650°C) temperatures. The experimental results of the fatigue test correlates well with the numerical results.