Mechanical characterization of metallic pipes is essential for assessing their structural integrity in industrial applications. The Ring Hoop Tension Test (RHTT) offers a simpler alternative to traditional methods for determining hoop strength, with two primary variants: the D-shaped pin configuration, which requires custom tooling for each pipe geometry, and the cylindrical pin system, which simplifies testing but introduces bending stresses. While the cylindrical pin method reduces friction-related uncertainties, its applicability for estimating ultimate tensile strength (UTS) had not been explored. This study develops a correlation between the minimum slope of the RHTT load–displacement curve and UTS in the hoop direction, specifically for cylindrical pins.
A dual approach combining finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental validation was employed. Numerical simulations examined the influence of pipe slenderness, pin diameter, and strain-hardening behavior, leading to an empirical model. Experimental tests on aluminum 6061-T6 pipes confirmed the method’s accuracy, with deviations below 3 % compared to standard tensile tests. The results highlight the impact of geometric factors, particularly the diameter-to-thickness ratio, and introduce a pin-size correction factor to refine the methodology. This work demonstrates that RHTT with cylindrical pins can effectively estimate UTS, offering a practical and reliable alternative to conventional methods.
