Theoretical and finite-element modeling of autofrettage process in strain-hardening thick-walled cylinders

The optimum autofrettage pressure and the optimum radius of the elastic–plastic boundary of strain-hardening cylinders in plane strain and plane stress have been studied theoretically and by finite-element modeling. Equivalent von-Mises stress is used as yield criterion. Comparison of the results of the two methods shows good agreement. Although there is no explicit expression for the optimum autofrettage pressure in plane stress, the equation for plane strain can be used with good accuracy. It has also been observed that the optimum autofrettage pressure is not a constant value but depends on working pressure.