02. For flexible joints, how to apply define coefficient of thermal expansion, and where it is defined in AutoPIPE

	Applies To
	Product(s):	AutoPIPE,
	Version(s):	2004, XM, & V8i
	Area:	Modeling
	Original Author:	Bentley Technical Support Group

Dec 2014, AutoPIPE V8i 09.06.01.10

Problem:

For flexible joints, how to apply define coefficient of thermal expansion, and where it is defined?

Solution:

The flexible joint will have an effect on the thermal movement of the pipe based on the stiffness specified on the flexible joint dialog screen. In addition, translation of thermal movement can be accomplished by adding a axial restraint across the flexible joint. Another words, a flexible joint itself does not undergo any thermal expansion/contraction i.e. no thermal properties are applied to the joint itself.

As seen in the online help: Flexible joints are modeled as a one-point lumped spring expanded into a two-point spring element.