Specifies the expansion joint parameters.
Translation - Typical units (depending on your unit system):
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lb/in
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N/mm
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N/m
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N/cm
Rotation - Typical units (depending on your unit system):
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in•lb/deg
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N•m/deg
If the element length is zero, then you should define all stiffnesses. If the element length is not zero, then you should leave blank either the Bending Stif or the Trans Stif box. CAESAR II automatically calculates the stiffness that you did not type. You can type all stiffnesses for rubber expansion joints
If the torsional stiffness value is not specified, CAESAR II uses a default value of 0.10000E+06 in•lb/deg or 0.11298E+05 N•m/deg.
Bending STIFFNESSES from EJMA (and from most expansion joint manufacturers) that are used in a finite length expansion joint model should be multiplied by four before being used in any piping software. Bending STIFFNESSES from EJMA (and from most expansion joint manufacturers) that are used in a ZERO length expansion joint model should be used without modification.
Use 1.0 for bellows stiffnesses that are completely flexible.
Use 1.0E12 for rigid bellows stiffnesses.
Zero length expansion joints can be used in many modeling applications, such as defining struts or hinged ends. The orientation of zero length expansion joints is taken from the element that precedes the expansion joint if the To node of the preceding element is equal to the From node on the expansion joint element. If the preceding element does not go into the expansion joint, then the orientation is taken from the element that follows the expansion joint if it properly leaves the joint.