ASTM E1928 Tube Splitting to Estimate Stress in Thin-Walled Tubes
Do you want to quickly and inexpensively determine stress in a tube or pipe? Tube splitting is one of the oldest, cheapest, and fastest methods of estimate stress. It was officially standardized in the ASTM E1928 specification, but has long been used as an estimate method with varying levels of accuracy. The ASTM E1928 testing method is a standardized method for semi-quantitative estimate of stresses that can be quickly performed for accurately comparing materials, processes, coatings, heat treatments, and more.
Rapid Stress Estimation of Tubes by Splitting
In the E1928 tube splitting process, the time per ASTM E1928 test is generally dependent on how long it takes to cut each tube (usually <1 – 20 minutes). In comparison, the hole drilling method generally takes 30-90 minutes per location. We recommend the tube splitting method whenever a large batch of tubular material needs to be rapidly evaluated. For example, some customers send us short lengths cut from the end of each pipe for confirmation of stress levels.
How Does Tube Splitting Measure Stress?
If you’ve cut many pipes or tubes in your life then you’re probably familiar with “springback”, the popping effect that sometimes occurs at the end of the cut when the pipe springs open. In some cases, it’s barely noticeable but in others you can see a large gap that is many times the thickness of the blade!
The ASTM E 1928 tube splitting method relies on measuring the outside diameter of a tube before and after it has been sectioned along the length. The change in diameter is then used in an equation to estimate the residual stress in the circumferential direction. ASTM E1928 allows for measurement of residual stress on the inside, outside, and through the wall.
How to Use Stress Measurement Data
Stress measurements have a variety of uses from calculating maximum pressures to evaluating maximum acceptable flaw sizes. We also provide ASTM E837 hole drilling and other techniques. Our team has decades of experience in producing and applying residual stress data to real-world applications of all kinds. We look forward to working with you!