I model pipe systems with heat exchangers often and I was wondering if anyone has any tips on modeling them? Preferably a way that is not overly complex.

I've C-noded a smaller diameter pipe into the shell pipe to represent the tube-sheet before, but I'm not sure that is the best way. I'm thinking another way to account for a tube-sheet could be to increase the thickness of the "shell" pipe element, but I don't know how I should determine the additional thickness.


-Levi