Simulation of the Behavior of Pipes with Variable Wall Thickness Under Internal Pressure

Abstract

The expansion of aluminum pipes with variable wall thickness under internal pressure is simulated using ESI Virtual-Performance 2016.0 software based on the finite-element method. The convergence and accuracy of the solution is estimated by comparing with known solutions. It is established that internal pressure causes pipes with variable wall thickness to burst where the wall is the thinnest. The thinnest section of the pipe becomes even thinner, whereas the maximum wall thickness does not almost change. This increases the variation in the wall thickness, promoting the rupture of the thin wall. It is recommended to use pipes with minimum wall thickness variation to convey high-pressure fluid.