I need a hint on calculating the surface area of a pipe bend /to be more precise of the bends individual sections/, is this possible to do in autocad with 3d? is there such a library of functions? any suggestions or information appreciated. 

Big thanks 

Mike

 

If bent on curve of radius R, the centerline length is R x Bend angle (in radians).

 

A pipe of outer radius r, at a 45 degree bend would have length  R x 45 x (Pi/180), and a surface area of (2Pi x r)x (R x Pi/4)

 

That geometric method seems easier than a cad solution.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torus" rel="nofollow - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torus

 

 

 

thank you very much for your input and explanation, a cad solution will be required here as the sections of the bend will have to be manufactured based on some graphic presentation. I assume it will be in 3d, but what I do not know is the module that I need to buy to be able to calculate /and depict/ the surface areas  and shapes for the individual sections in the pipe bend. 

So far I have found 2 candidates /AutoCad plant 3D and Autocad P&ID/ but I might be very wrong here, and maybe some other version might be totally suitable for these calculations and imagery. Thank you for the geometric method description as well, I am looking at it right now and it helps.

Thank you & Regards

Michael