A Comparative Parametric Study of Single Step and Double Step Swage Autofrettage in Swaged Metal Tubes

Computerized software based on finite element programming plays a unique role in the design and development of different engineering fields e.g. mechanical, electrical and civil technologies. Specifically these finite element based software analysis plays a vital role in increasing the fatigue life of structural components. To prevent crack failure and to increase the pressure-carrying capacity of thick-walled components, a common practice is auto-frettage treatment of the cylinder prior to use. The applications are typically heavy walled tubes, diesel engine, hydraulically expanded tubular systems, water jet and oil field components. In this research paper, a simple analysis of single step and double step swage auto-frettaged metal tubes is done using available computerized software based on finite element programming and results are validated using available experimental data, and recommendations are sought for the improvement in the design of multi-stage swage process.