Theoretical and Experimental Determination of the Fracture-Risk Areas on the Electrofusion Socket Made of High Density Polyethylene

摘要

The paper aims to approach a problem which occurs when welding the high density polyethylene fittings and pipes used in the natural gas distribution networks. The work presents a finite element numerical analysis of the polyethylene fitting. The geometric modeling was performed using the Catia software, which includes the finite element module and thus eliminating the risk of the possible inconsistencies between the Catia files and other finite element software. There is presented, in parallel, the thermal analysis of the polyethylene fitting employing an infrared camera. Reading both, finite element analysis and thermal analysis conclusions may lead to the solution that should be taken in order to avoid the fracture of the polyethylene fittings during welding or immediately after that.