A GENERAL-SOLUTION FOR THE PRESSURIZED ELASTOPLASTIC TUBE

The problem of a thick-walled cylindrical tube subjected to internal pressure is investigated within the framework of continuum plasticity. Material behavior is modeled by a finite strain elastoplastic flow theory based on the Tresca yield function. The deformation pattern is restricted by the plane-strain condition but arbitrary hardening and elastic compressibility are accounted for. A general solution is given in terms of quadratures. The analysis also includes treatment of a second plastic phase, characterized by corner relations, that may develop at the inner boundary. It is shown that the interface between the two plastic regions moves initially outwards and then, beyond a certain strain level, it moves back inwards. Some useful and simple results are given for thin-walled tubes of hardening materials and for thick-walled elastic/perfectly plastic tubes.