Author(s)

U.A. Abdelsalam & M.A. Dokainish

Abstract

The hydraulic expansion of the tube-to-tubesheet joints is modelled using a 2-D axisymmetric elasto-plastic finite element model. The contact interaction between the tube and the sleeve is handled by an in-house contact algorithm. The residual contact traction and the joint structural strength are examined against the expansion pressure and the initial radial clearance. 1. Introduction The hydraulic expansion of tube-to-tubesheet joints is a common practice in the assembly of shell and tube heat exchangers. The basic idea of the expanding process is to deform the tube beyond the elastic limit while minimizing the plastic deformation of the tubesheet. Upon the release of the expanding force, the tubesheet materi

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