Barlow's formula can be used to estimate burst pressure of pipes or tubes.

P = 2 s t / (do SF)         (1)

where

P = max. working pressure (psig)

s = material strength (psi)

t = wall thickness (in)

do = outside diameter (in)

SF = safety factor (in general 1.5 to 10)

The Barlow's estimate is based on ideal conditions at room temperature.

The strength of a material is determined by the tensile strength tension test, which measure the tension force and the deformation of the test specimen.

Strength of some common materials: