I'm modeling a 1200 deg F line with tied universal expansion joints. I have a maximum lateral mvmt on one of my joint of 5.2". I'm wondering if this is too much and possibly I should be thinking about a flex hose instead?

Also the pipe stub connecting the two joints has a rotation of about 10 deg in the lateral.

I'm also wondering if my overall joint may end up being so long that the tie rods might not be able to control it properly.

You don't say what the line size is. However 5.2" lateral does not sound excessive, but 10 deg lateral rotation is probably too much. You need to check with a few vendors such as Pathway, and maybe consider presetting your EXJ if you cannot reduce the angle.

The joint is for a 16" pipe. However the rotation is not on the exp joints but on the 16" pipe connecting the two joints.

Hi Mul211
You may opt for two hinge bellow in case you required flexibility in one plane only.

Regards

Habib