Laminated pipe bends of mixed wall construction subjected to an in-plane bending moment

Abstract

Some of the ways in which the analysis of laminated composite pipe bends may differ from that of isotropic pipe bends are highlighted. The possible difference between effective bending and tensile moduli is recognised and its influence investigated over a range of bend geometries. A simple method for estimation of the influence of transverse shear terms on the performance of such a pipe bend under in-plane bending is presented, together with numerical results from the analysis. The range of geometries over which these terms may be important is discussed. The analysis is presented in a form which is readily implemented on a microcomputer, and suitable expressions for evaluation of appropriate Fourier series integrals are developed.