Analyzing mechanical properties and loading performance of polypropylene sandwich pipes

Sandwich pipes are widely used in various piping applications owing to their exceptional pressure resistance and thermal insulation properties. In this paper, the mechanical properties and loading performance of sandwich pipes made of polypropylene material have been investigated under different loading conditions including lateral and axial compression, as well as hydrostatic internal and external pressures. For this purpose, finite element models of sandwich pipes with various designs have been developed. Material properties have been determined through standard experimental tests, and the finite element models have been validated using lateral compression experiments. The results indicate that incorporating annular cores with thinner thickness and greater numbers, along with using a thicker inner pipe in the sandwich pipe structure, improves its properties and performance.