Hello,

I’m looking for advice on modeling a slip type expansion joint in CAESAR II (more information in catalog at web address below).

This type of joint consists of a single (or double in my case) slip type joint in which the slips are slid through a packing, creating a constant friction loading as the joint is operated (as opposed to having a stiffness similar to a traditional bellows). I don't believe i can model this as a traditional expansion joint in CAESAR, only because I don't have an actual stiffness to incorporate to account for the axial movement of the piping in the joint (only a constant frictional force, given as 1000 lbs per inch of pipe).

I am looking to ensure that my stress model incorporates the appropriate frictional forces and pressure thrusts as well as modeling the correct thermal displacements into the expansion joint.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.advancedthermal.net/catalogs/ATSSlipJointsCatalog.pdf