Deformation Simulation in Tube Expansion Processing of Inner Grooved Heat Transfer Tubes

Abstract

In this paper, we proposed a simulation method based on finite element method utilizing cyclic symmetry model to evaluate the deformation of inner grooved heat transfer tubes during tube expansion. The validity of the simulation method was confirmed by comparing the simulation results and experimental results for the deformation of inner grooved aluminum heat transfer tube due to tube expansion. Using the simulation method, we carried out a case study based on the orthogonal table for design of experiments and clarified the effects of design parameters such as groove depth, groove tip width, number of grooves, and lead angle on the deformation of inner grooved aluminum heat transfer tubes due to tube expansion. This made it possible to optimize the design of the heat transfer tube considering the depth change and tilt angle of the inner grooves caused by tube expansion.