Axial Load Capacity of Cold Formed Pipe Flange Connection

In this paper, a cold forming process is used where the connection between a pipe and a flange is created by means of radially expanding tool segments inside the pipe. The method is investigated with two purposes, to set up a robust procedure for the process that allows for connections to be made on site, and to set up finite element (FE) simulations that can capture the forces and deformations when pulling the pipe axially out of the flange. Experimental data and FE simulations are used to describe and understand the forces and deformations during the connection process. The rapid increase in radial stiffness experienced when the pipe comes in full circumferential contact with the flange is identified as the best end-of-process indicator. Also, experimental data and FE simulations are used to predict the axial load capacity of a pipe flange connection, and the FE model is utilized in designing the appropriate ridge height of the tool segments.