Non-linear analysis of U-shaped bellows using integral equation method

In the paper a U-shaped bellows is treated as a flexible shell of revolution which consists of circular ring shells and truncated shallow conical shells; then the non-linear problem of U-shaped bellows under the action of axial compression force and internal pressure is solved by means of the non-linear theory of shells and the integral equation method. Numerical solutions obtained are compared with previous theoretical and experimental results. The present theory is more appropriate to the analysis of bellows in the light of real profile shape, and shows that the influence of compressed angle on the characteristic relation and peak stresses is noticeable.