A New Approach to Measuring Transverse Properties of Structural Tubing by a Ring Test

Abstract

Abstract A new approach to the ring test is presented in this paper. Three-dimensional elastoplastic finite element modeling with contact has been performed to analyze the stress and strain distribution in the ring, to optimize the ring testing system, and to investigate the effect of friction between the ring specimen and the fixture. Based on the numerical results, a new design of a holding device that creates a uniaxially stressed zone is proposed in order to determine transverse behavior of tubular products, such as the modulus and the stress-strain curve. A case study is presented on nuclear cladding tubes in Zircaloy. The approach shows promise for testing various kinds of materials in structural tubing, including ductile or brittle materials, metals, composites, or polymers.