Bellows Vibration With Internal Cryogenic Fluid Flows

Abstract

The flow-induced vibrations of metal bellows with internal cryogenic flow are examined experimentally, and analytical techniques are given to predict vibration suppression characteristics. Heat transfer is shown to create local vaporization inside the convolutes which kills the primary source of bellows vibration, vortex shedding. The reduction in vibration amplitude is shown to be a function of the state properties of the liquid inside the bellows and the heat transfer rate into the liquid. External damping from frost, ice, or condensed liquid, which can appear on the bellows exterior, is discussed, and a method for estimating the reduction in vibration severity with external condensation is presented.