A novel radial compression testing device for tubes

The authors describe development of a technique and associated apparatus for subjecting cylindrical specimens to uniform radial pressure over their external curved surface to failure. When testing spirally wound paperboard tubes, the uniformity of radial pressure allows evaluating the tubes to a crushing or material failure. The method continuously monitors the magnitude of the applied radial pressure. Calibration tests on aluminium tubes ensured uniformity of pressure around the specimen circumference and along its length. Strain gauges located on the inner diameter of the tubes provide a complete strain history of the test to failure. The results illustrate the constitutive behavior of the structure. Application : a test and equipment to subject tubes to uniform radial pressure provides a research and quality control tool.