ELONGATED MEMBER/RADIALLY EXPANDABLE MEMBER ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING THE SAME

摘要

At least one embodiment generally relates to using an installation tool to pass an expansion mandrel through an elongated member to at least locally, radially expand at least a portion of the elongated member and achieve an interference fit with a radially expandable member located about an outer surface of the elongated member. In one embodiment, the elongated member is radially expanded over its entire length and may include a stepped feature so that only a portion of the elongated member achieves the interference fit with the radially expandable member. During the radial-expansion process, both the radially expandable member and the elongated member may be at the same or approximately the same temperature. Before the radial-expansion process, the radially expandable member may be assembled using press-fit techniques, shrink fit techniques, clearance fitting techniques, or combinations thereof.