They are excellent for absorbing vibration and multi-directional movement, especially in high-pressure or nuclear environments.
Because "bellows" can refer to several different things, here are reviews for the most common interpretations: the industrial component, the photographic accessory, and the horror video game. bellows
Essential for modern piping, but they require strict adherence to ASME/EJMA standards to prevent catastrophic instability. Design and analysis aspect of metal expansion bellows the photographic accessory
Multi-ply designs offer a better fatigue life than single-ply versions. bellows
In engineering, bellows are convoluted shells that compress or extend to handle pressure or thermal expansion in piping systems.