Methods of Measuring tube Expansion

The various methods by which the expansion of tube is measured are as following:

1. Calculation of the tube thickness reduction rate

2. Calculation of tube inner diameter growth rate
3. Pull out strength vs torque curve

Measurements to be done
The appropriate amount of tube expansion for the Tube Expander differs depending on the dimensions
of the tube sheet hole diameter, outer diameter of the tube, and tube thickness as well as the material
of the tube

1. Tube OD
2. Tube ID
3. Tube thickness
4. Fin sheet hole diameter

Insertion of tube Adhesion to the tube and sheet hole Completion of tube
expansion fitting
 Tube expansion evaluation and measurement

The "tube thickness reduction rate" and "tube inner diameter growth rate" are the two general
methods for measuring the degree of tube expansion.

Before tube expansion After tube expansion

1. Calculation of the tube thickness reduction rate

Wt = ( D-d0 ) - ( H - d1 ) / ( D - d0 ) × 100
d1 = (D-d0)×(1-Wt / 100)

H: sheet hole diameter before tube expansion (mm)

D: outer diameter of tube before tube expansion (mm)
d0: inner diameter of tube before expansion (mm)
d1: inner diameter of tube after tube expansion (mm)

Correct expansion of tubes is the forming of a 100% bond between the tube and tube sheet, a result of
reducing the tube wall by 4 to 5%.Anything less or more will result in under-or over-expansion.

2. Calculation of tube inner diameter growth rate

Wd = d1-( d0 + C ) / ( d0 + C ) × 100
d1 = ( d0 + C ) × ( 1 + Wd / 100 )

In general, it is estimated that Wd is between 1 and 1.2%.

Wd: tube inner diameter growth rate (%)

d0 : inner diameter of tube before tube expansion (mm)
d1 : inner diameter of tube after tube expansion (mm)
C: space between sheet hole diameter and outer diameter of tube (mm) ( C = H - D )
Pull out strength vs torque curve

The formula is in use for the press fit joint strength calculation:

Typical experimental force-movement diagram at the beginning of a press fit joint parts separating
process is as shown

The changes in the strength can be made by adjusting L of interference