Nonlinear deformation analysis of a U-shaped bellows with varying thickness

Summary The nonlinear integral equations for a U-shaped bellows with compressed angle and varying wall-thickness are derived according to the simplified Reissner theory of large deflection for revolution shells and integral-equation method. The iteration procedure for nonlinear analysis is developed by means of the integral equation iteration in conjunction with the gradient method. Numerical solutions for a U-shaped bellows under the action of axial compression force and internal pressure are obtained, which are compared with previous theories and experiments. The present results are shown to have a good accuracy, and may be applied directly to the design of bellows. Received 13 November 1997; accepted for publication 6 July 1999