Translational Stiffness Estimates for Expansion Joints
Translational Stiffness Estimates for Expansion Joints
(OP)
I am modeling some steam piping in a stress program and need to input translational stiffness information on some expansion joints.
This is a typical problem I have run into before. I found some old catalog information, but I don't have good confidence in it.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
I am not comfortable with modeling the joint as "free" in all directions.
Thanks!
This is a typical problem I have run into before. I found some old catalog information, but I don't have good confidence in it.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
I am not comfortable with modeling the joint as "free" in all directions.
Thanks!





RE: Translational Stiffness Estimates for Expansion Joints
RE: Translational Stiffness Estimates for Expansion Joints
Also, some of the manufacturers standard literature that I have found don't publish this information. I have found that you have to buy the joint and then you get the EJMA form with all the data.
The problem is -- I am trying to figure out where and when I need flex joints -- my stress model doesn't converge if I give the joints too much freedom and I'm thinking that if I give them a stiffness, it will help with convergence.
RE: Translational Stiffness Estimates for Expansion Joints
Be sure to anchor your system to make piping move in direstion to take advantage of expansion joint
RE: Translational Stiffness Estimates for Expansion Joints
You should be able to download the senior flexonics catalog here and get some reference values for lateral, axial and angular spring rates:
http://www.myej.net/Catalogs/MetalCatalog.pdf
Edward L. Klein
Pipe Stress Engineer
Houston, Texas
"All the world is a Spring"
All opinions expressed here are my own and not my company's.