Hi

I have a situation where there is thermal growth in the opposite direction of a nozzles' movement. This resuts in opposing forces and excessive axial forces on the nozzle.

I'm trying to reduce the nozzle reactions and I was wondering if i can use a pivoting technique. I can create an arm perpindicular to the direction of growth and movement of the nozzle (forming a 'S or Z shape).

I would place a restraint somewhere in the middle of the perpindicular arm. I'm hoping that the thermal growth would result in an opposing force on the other side of the restraint (the "pivot"), resulting in an axial force that relieves the axial forces on the nozzle.

Is this technique used in industry?

thanks

Yep, this is one of the basic techniques for coping with the problem. Congratulations on inventing it on your own!

You need to be aware of how constructable what you are doing is. If, for example, you have the force on your pivot point changing sign in different load cases, you need to make the pivot point a gapped restraint to account for real world construction limitations. You also need to coordinate with structural to make sure your rack can withstand the loads you impose, although these will likely be pretty small.