Influence of residual stress on the relationship between pipe pressure and C-ring tests

Abstract

The effects of residual stress in modified poly(vinyl chloride) pipes upon the relationship between pressure tests and C-ring tests have been studied. A series of pressure tests were carried out at different hoop stresses using both fixed-end and free-end enclosures. The C-ring test was used to determine the yield strength of the material as a function of time. The difference in behavior between the fixed end and free end configurations was less than predicted by the von Mises analysis assuming the only stresses in the pipe wall were generated by the applied internal pressure. Both configurations produced lower results than predicted on the basis of the C-ring tests. The residual stresses in the hoop and longitudinal directions were measured. Taking into account the residual and applied stresses, the von Mises criterion for yield was used to calculate the uniaxial yield stress of the material for both end enclosure configurations. The results were similar to the yield stress measured in uniaxial tension. The von Mises criterion for yield has been shown to provide an acceptable method of analysis of pressure tests with fixed and free end enclosures and the C-ring, when residual stress is taken into account.