Research of erosion and buckling of pipe bends under gas-solid two-phase flow

In this paper, the erosion of pipe bend caused by gas-solid two-phase flow under high pressure is studied using dynamic mesh technology and bidirectional fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method. The effects of wall deformation and stress on erosion are considered simultaneously. The effects of working pressure, fluid velocity, and three geometric parameters (bend radius, bend angle, and wall thickness) on erosion prediction results are analyzed. Subsequently, based on the results of erosion prediction, a finite element model of a pipe bend with erosion defects is built, and the buckling pressure and collapse mode of the pipe bend after a certain period of erosion are studied. Finally, the limit load of pipe bend under bending-pressure coupling load is also studied. The erosion behavior and limit load of pipe bend are comprehensively considered in this study. The results identify the main factors affecting the residual strength of pipe bend with erosion defects and provide scientific guidance for the design and safe operation of pipe bends.