US2006283603A1PendingUtilityA1

Expandable tubular

Assignee: ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGYPriority: Sep 5, 2003Filed: Sep 7, 2004Published: Dec 21, 2006

Est. expirySep 5, 2023(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority

Inventors:Mark Shuster Kevin Waddell Edwin Zwald Vladimir Didyk Malcolm William Gray Scott Costa Grigory Greenberg

E21B 43/105E21B 43/103E21B 29/00E21B 17/08E21B 17/042E21B 17/04E21B 43/106

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References

Claims

Abstract

An expandable tubular member.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified

1 . A method of forming a tubular liner within a preexisting structure, comprising:
positioning a tubular assembly within the preexisting structure; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular assembly within the preexisting structure; wherein, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular assembly, a predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the tubular assembly.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a higher ductility and a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a higher ductility prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a larger inside diameter after the radial expansion and plastic deformation than other portions of the tubular assembly.

6 . The method of claim 5 , further comprising:
positioning another tubular assembly within the preexisting structure in overlapping relation to the tubular assembly; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the other tubular assembly within the preexisting structure; wherein, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular assembly, a predetermined portion of the other tubular assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the other tubular assembly.

7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the tubular assembly is equal to the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the other tubular assembly.

8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises an end portion of the tubular assembly.

9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises an end portion of the tubular assembly.

12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of other portions of the tubular assembly.

13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart other portions of the tubular assembly.

14 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of tubular members coupled to one another by corresponding tubular couplings.

15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly; and wherein the tubular members comprise the other portion of the tubular assembly.

16 . The method of claim 14 , wherein one or more of the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

17 . The method of claim 14 , wherein one or more of the tubular members comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

18 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly defines one or more openings.

19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein one or more of the openings comprise slots.

20 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1.

21 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1.

22 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12.

23 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1; and wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12.

24 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a first steel alloy comprising: 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.02% Cr.

25 . The method of claim 24 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

26 . The method of claim 24 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

27 . The method of claim 24 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.48.

28 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a second steel alloy comprising: 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.03% Cr.

29 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

30 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

31 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.04.

32 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a third steel alloy comprising: 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.16% Cu, 0.05% Ni, and 0.05% Cr.

33 . The method of claim 32 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.92.

34 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a fourth steel alloy comprising: 0.02% C, 1.31% Mn, 0.02% P, 0.001% S, 0.45% Si, 9.1% Ni, and 18.7% Cr.

35 . The method of claim 34 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.34.

36 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

37 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

38 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.48.

39 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

40 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

41 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.04.

42 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.92.

43 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.34.

44 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 1.04 to about 1.92.

45 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 47.6 ksi to about 61.7 ksi.

46 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is greater than 0.12.

47 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than the expandability coefficient of the other portion of the tubular assembly.

48 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a wellbore casing.

49 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a pipeline.

50 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a structural support.

51 . An expandable tubular member comprising a steel alloy comprising: 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.02% Cr.

52 . The tubular member of claim 51 , wherein a yield point of the tubular member is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein a yield point of the tubular member is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

53 . The tubular member of claim 51 , wherein the yield point of the tubular member after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the tubular member prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

54 . The tubular member of claim 51 , wherein the anisotropy of the tubular member, prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.48.

55 . The tubular member of claim 51 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

56 . The tubular member of claim 51 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

57 . The tubular member of claim 51 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

58 . An expandable tubular member comprising a steel alloy comprising: 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.03% Cr.

59 . The tubular member of claim 58 , wherein a yield point of the tubular member is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the tubular member is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

60 . The tubular member of claim 58 , wherein a yield point of the of the tubular member after a radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the tubular member prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

61 . The tubular member of claim 58 , wherein the anisotropy of the tubular member, prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.04.

62 . The tubular member of claim 58 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

63 . The tubular member of claim 58 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

64 . The tubular member of claim 58 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

65 . An expandable tubular member comprising a steel alloy comprising: 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.16% Cu, 0.05% Ni, and 0.05% Cr.

66 . The tubular member of claim 65 , wherein the anisotropy of the tubular member, prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.92.

67 . The tubular member of claim 65 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

68 . The tubular member of claim 65 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

69 . The tubular member of claim 65 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

70 . An expandable tubular member comprising a steel alloy comprising: 0.02% C, 1.31% Mn, 0.02% P, 0.001% S, 0.45% Si, 9.1% Ni, and 18.7% Cr.

71 . The tubular member of claim 70 , wherein the anisotropy of the tubular member, prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.34.

72 . The tubular member of claim 70 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

73 . The tubular member of claim 70 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

74 . The tubular member of claim 70 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

75 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the yield point of the expandable tubular member is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the expandable tubular member is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

76 . The tubular member of claim 75 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

77 . The tubular member of claim 75 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

78 . The tubular member of claim 75 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

79 . An expandable tubular member, wherein a yield point of the expandable tubular member after a radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the expandable tubular member prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

80 . The tubular member of claim 79 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

81 . The tubular member of claim 79 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

82 . The tubular member of claim 79 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

83 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the anisotropy of the expandable tubular member, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.48.

84 . The tubular member of claim 83 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

85 . The tubular member of claim 83 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

86 . The tubular member of claim 83 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

87 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the yield point of the expandable tubular member is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the expandable tubular member is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

88 . The tubular member of claim 87 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

89 . The tubular member of claim 87 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

90 . The tubular member of claim 87 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

91 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the yield point of the expandable tubular member after a radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the expandable tubular member prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

92 . The tubular member of claim 91 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

93 . The tubular member of claim 91 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

94 . The tubular member of claim 91 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

95 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the anisotropy of the expandable tubular member, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.04.

96 . The tubular member of claim 95 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

97 . The tubular member of claim 95 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

98 . The tubular member of claim 95 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

99 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the anisotropy of the expandable tubular member, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.92.

100 . The tubular member of claim 99 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

101 . The tubular member of claim 99 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

102 . The tubular member of claim 99 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

103 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the anisotropy of the expandable tubular member, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.34.

104 . The tubular member of claim 103 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

105 . The tubular member of claim 103 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

106 . The tubular member of claim 103 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

107 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the anisotropy of the expandable tubular member, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 1.04 to about 1.92.

108 . The tubular member of claim 107 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

109 . The tubular member of claim 107 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

110 . The tubular member of claim 107 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

111 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the yield point of the expandable tubular member, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 47.6 ksi to about 61.7 ksi.

112 . The tubular member of claim 111 wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

113 . The tubular member of claim 111 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

114 . The tubular member of claim 111 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

115 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the expandability coefficient of the expandable tubular member, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is greater than 0.12.

116 . The tubular member of claim 115 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

117 . The tubular member of claim 115 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

118 . The tubular member of claim 115 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

119 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the expandability coefficient of the expandable tubular member is greater than the expandability coefficient of another portion of the expandable tubular member.

120 . The tubular member of claim 119 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

121 . The tubular member of claim 119 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

122 . The tubular member of claim 119 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

123 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the tubular member has a higher ductility and a lower yield point prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

124 . The tubular member of claim 123 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

125 . The tubular member of claim 123 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

126 . The tubular member of claim 123 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

127 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular assembly comprising a first tubular member coupled to a second tubular member, comprising:
radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular assembly within a preexisting structure; and using less power to radially expand each unit length of the first tubular member than to radially expand each unit length of the second tubular member.

128 . The method of claim 127 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

129 . The method of claim 127 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

130 . The method of claim 127 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

131 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular assembly comprising a first tubular member coupled to a second tubular member, comprising:
means for radially expanding the tubular assembly within a preexisting structure; and means for using less power to radially expand each unit length of the first tubular member than to radially expand each unit length of the second tubular member.

132 . The system of claim 131 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

133 . The system of claim 131 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

134 . The system of claim 131 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

135 . A method of manufacturing a tubular member, comprising:
processing a tubular member until the tubular member is characterized by one or more intermediate characteristics; positioning the tubular member within a preexisting structure; and processing the tubular member within the preexisting structure until the tubular member is characterized one or more final characteristics.

136 . The method of claim 135 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing:

137 . The method of claim 135 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

138 . The method of claim 135 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

139 . The method of claim 135 , wherein the preexisting structure comprises a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation.

140 . The method of claim 135 , wherein the characteristics are selected from a group consisting of yield point and ductility.

141 . The method of claim 135 , wherein processing the tubular member within the preexisting structure until the tubular member is characterized one or more final characteristics comprises:
radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure.

142 . An apparatus, comprising:
an expandable tubular assembly; and an expansion device coupled to the expandable tubular assembly; wherein a predetermined portion of the expandable tubular assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the expandable tubular assembly.

143 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the expansion device comprises a rotary expansion device.

144 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the expansion device comprises an axially displaceable expansion device.

145 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the expansion device comprises a reciprocating expansion device.

146 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the expansion device comprises a hydroforming expansion device.

147 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the expansion device comprises an impulsive force expansion device.

148 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a higher ductility and a lower yield point than another portion of the expandable tubular assembly.

149 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a higher ductility than another portion of the expandable tubular assembly.

150 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the expandable tubular assembly.

151 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises an end portion of the tubular assembly.

152 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

153 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

154 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises an end portion of the tubular assembly.

155 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of other portions of the tubular assembly.

156 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart other portions of the tubular assembly.

157 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of tubular members coupled to one another by corresponding tubular couplings.

158 . The apparatus of claim 157 , wherein the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly; and wherein the tubular members comprise the other portion of the tubular assembly.

159 . The apparatus of claim 157 , wherein one or more of the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

160 . The apparatus of claim 157 , wherein one or more of the tubular members comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

161 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly defines one or more openings.

162 . The apparatus of claim 161 , wherein one or more of the openings comprise slots.

163 . The apparatus of claim 161 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1.

164 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1.

165 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12.

166 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1; and wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12.

167 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a first steel alloy comprising: 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.02% Cr.

168 . The apparatus of claim 167 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi.

169 . The apparatus of claim 167 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is about 1.48.

170 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a second steel alloy comprising: 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.03% Cr.

171 . The apparatus of claim 170 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi.

172 . The apparatus of claim 170 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is about 1.04.

173 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a third steel alloy comprising: 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.16% Cu, 0.05% Ni, and 0.05% Cr.

174 . The apparatus of claim 173 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is about 1.92.

175 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a fourth steel alloy comprising: 0.02% C, 1.31% Mn, 0.02% P, 0.001% S, 0.45% Si, 9.1% Ni, and 18.7% Cr.

176 . The apparatus of claim 175 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 1.34.

177 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi.

178 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 1.48.

179 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi.

180 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 1.04.

181 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 1.92.

182 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 1.34.

183 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly ranges from about 1.04 to about 1.92.

184 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly ranges from about 47.6 ksi to about 61.7 ksi.

185 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12.

186 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than the expandability coefficient of the other portion of the tubular assembly.

187 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a wellbore casing.

188 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a pipeline.

189 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a structural support.

190 . An expandable tubular member, wherein a yield point of the expandable tubular member after a radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 5.8% greater than the yield point of the expandable tubular member prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

191 . The tubular member of claim 190 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

192 . The tubular member of claim 190 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

193 . The tubular member of claim 190 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

194 . A method of determining the expandability of a selected tubular member, comprising:
determining an anisotropy value for the selected tubular member; determining a strain hardening value for the selected tubular member; and multiplying the anisotropy value times the strain hardening value to generate an expandability value for the selected tubular member.

195 . The method of claim 194 , wherein an anisotropy value greater than 0.12 indicates that the tubular member is suitable for radial expansion and plastic deformation.

196 . The method of claim 194 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

197 . The method of claim 194 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

198 . The method of claim 194 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

199 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming tubular members, comprising:
selecting a tubular member; determining an anisotropy value for the selected tubular member; determining a strain hardening value for the selected tubular member; multiplying the anisotropy value times the strain hardening value to generate an expandability value for the selected tubular member; and if the anisotropy value is greater than 0.12, then radially expanding and plastically deforming the selected tubular member.

200 . The method of claim 199 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

201 . The method of claim 199 , wherein the tubular member comprises a pipeline.

202 . The method of claim 199 , wherein the tubular member comprises a structural support.

203 . The method of claim 199 , wherein radially expanding and plastically deforming the selected tubular member comprises:
inserting the selected tubular member into a preexisting structure; and then radially expanding and plastically deforming the selected tubular member.

204 . The method of claim 203 , wherein the preexisting structure comprises a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation.

205 . A radially expandable tubular member apparatus comprising:
a first tubular member; a second tubular member engaged with the first tubular member forming a joint; and a sleeve overlapping and coupling the first and second tubular members at the joint; wherein, prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the apparatus, a predetermined portion of the apparatus has a lower yield point than another portion of the apparatus.

206 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus has a higher ductility and a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

207 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus has a higher ductility prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

208 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus has a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

209 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus has a larger inside diameter after the radial expansion and plastic deformation than other portions of the tubular assembly.

210 . The apparatus of claim 209 , further comprising:
positioning another apparatus within the preexisting structure in overlapping relation to the apparatus; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the other apparatus within the preexisting structure; wherein, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the apparatus, a predetermined portion of the other apparatus has a lower yield point than another portion of the other apparatus.

211 . The apparatus of claim 210 , wherein the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the apparatus is equal to the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the other apparatus.

212 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises an end portion of the apparatus.

213 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a plurality of predetermined portions of the apparatus.

214 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a plurality of spaced apart predetermined portions of the apparatus.

215 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the other portion of the apparatus comprises an end portion of the apparatus.

216 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the other portion of the apparatus comprises a plurality of other portions of the apparatus.

217 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the other portion of the apparatus comprises a plurality of spaced apart other portions of the apparatus.

218 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of tubular members coupled to one another by corresponding tubular couplings.

219 . The apparatus of claim 218 , wherein the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the apparatus; and wherein the tubular members comprise the other portion of the apparatus.

220 . The apparatus of claim 218 , wherein one or more of the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the apparatus.

221 . The apparatus of claim 218 , wherein one or more of the tubular members comprise the predetermined portions of the apparatus.

222 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus defines one or more openings.

223 . The apparatus of claim 222 , wherein one or more of the openings comprise slots.

224 . The apparatus of claim 222 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than 1.

225 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than 1.

226 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than 0.12.

227 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than 1; and wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than 0.12.

228 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a first steel alloy comprising: 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.02% Cr.

229 . The apparatus of claim 228 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

230 . The apparatus of claim 228 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

231 . The apparatus of claim 228 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.48.

232 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a second steel alloy comprising: 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.03% Cr.

233 . The apparatus of claim 232 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

234 . The apparatus of claim 232 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

235 . The apparatus of claim 232 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.04.

236 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a third steel alloy comprising: 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.16% Cu, 0.05% Ni, and 0.05% Cr,

237 . The apparatus of claim 236 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.92.

238 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a fourth steel alloy comprising: 0.02% C, 1.31% Mn, 0.02% P, 0.001% S, 0.45% Si, 9.1% Ni, and 18.7% Cr.

239 . The apparatus of claim 238 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.34.

240 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

241 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

242 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.48.

243 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

244 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

245 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.04.

246 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.92.

247 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.34.

248 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 1.04 to about 1.92.

249 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 47.6 ksi to about 61.7 ksi.

250 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is greater than 0.12.

251 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than the expandability coefficient of the other portion of the apparatus.

252 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the apparatus comprises a wellbore casing.

253 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the apparatus comprises a pipeline.

254 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the apparatus comprises a structural support.

255 . A radially expandable tubular member apparatus comprising:
a first tubular member; a second tubular member engaged with the first tubular member forming a joint; a sleeve overlapping and coupling the first and second tubular members at the joint; the sleeve having opposite tapered ends and a flange engaged in a recess formed in an adjacent tubular member; and one of the tapered ends being a surface formed on the flange; wherein, prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the apparatus, a predetermined portion of the apparatus has a lower yield point than another portion of the apparatus.

256 . The apparatus as defined in claim 255 wherein the recess includes a tapered wall in mating engagement with the tapered end formed on the flange.

257 . The apparatus as defined in claim 255 wherein the sleeve includes a flange at each tapered end and each tapered end is formed on a respective flange.

258 . The apparatus as defined in claim 257 wherein each tubular member includes a recess.

259 . The apparatus as defined in claim 258 wherein each flange is engaged in a respective one of the recesses.

260 . The apparatus as defined in claim 259 wherein each recess includes a tapered wall in mating engagement with the tapered end formed on a respective one of the flanges.

261 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus has a higher ductility and a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

262 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus has a higher ductility prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

263 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus has a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

264 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus has a larger inside diameter after the radial expansion and plastic deformation than other portions of the tubular assembly.

265 . The apparatus of claim 264 , further comprising:
positioning another apparatus within the preexisting structure in overlapping relation to the apparatus; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the other apparatus within the preexisting structure; wherein, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the apparatus, a predetermined portion of the other apparatus has a lower yield point than another portion of the other apparatus.

266 . The apparatus of claim 265 , wherein the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the apparatus is equal to the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the other apparatus.

267 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises an end portion of the apparatus.

268 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a plurality of predetermined portions of the apparatus.

269 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a plurality of spaced apart predetermined portions of the apparatus.

270 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the other portion of the apparatus comprises an end portion of the apparatus.

271 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the other portion of the apparatus comprises a plurality of other portions of the apparatus.

272 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the other portion of the apparatus comprises a plurality of spaced apart other portions of the apparatus.

273 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of tubular members coupled to one another by corresponding tubular couplings.

274 . The apparatus of claim 273 , wherein the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the apparatus; and wherein the tubular members comprise the other portion of the apparatus.

275 . The apparatus of claim 273 , wherein one or more of the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the apparatus.

276 . The apparatus of claim 273 , wherein one or more of the tubular members comprise the predetermined portions of the apparatus.

277 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus defines one or more openings.

278 . The apparatus of claim 277 , wherein one or more of the openings comprise slots.

279 . The apparatus of claim 277 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than 1.

280 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than 1.

281 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than 0.12.

282 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than 1; and wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than 0.12.

283 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a first steel alloy comprising: 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.02% Cr.

284 . The apparatus of claim 283 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

285 . The apparatus of claim 283 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

286 . The apparatus of claim 283 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.48.

287 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a second steel alloy comprising: 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.03% Cr.

288 . The apparatus of claim 287 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

289 . The apparatus of claim 287 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

290 . The apparatus of claim 287 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.04.

291 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a third steel alloy comprising: 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.16% Cu, 0.05% Ni, and 0.05% Cr.

292 . The apparatus of claim 291 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.92.

293 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the predetermined portion of the apparatus comprises a fourth steel alloy comprising: 0.02% C, 1.31% Mn, 0.02% P, 0.001% S, 0.45% Si, 9.1% Ni, and 18.7% Cr.

294 . The apparatus of claim 293 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.34.

295 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

296 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

297 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.48.

298 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

299 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

300 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.04.

301 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.92.

302 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.34.

303 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 1.04 to about 1.92.

304 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 47.6 ksi to about 61.7 ksi.

305 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the apparatus, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is greater than 0.12.

306 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than the expandability coefficient of the other portion of the apparatus.

307 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the apparatus comprises a wellbore casing.

308 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the apparatus comprises a pipeline.

309 . The apparatus of claim 255 , wherein the apparatus comprises a structural support.

310 . A method of joining radially expandable tubular members comprising:
providing a first tubular member; engaging a second tubular member with the first tubular member to form a joint; providing a sleeve; mounting the sleeve for overlapping and coupling the first and second tubular members at the joint; wherein the first tubular member, the second tubular member, and the sleeve define a tubular assembly; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular assembly; wherein, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, a predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the tubular assembly.

311 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a higher ductility and a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

312 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a higher ductility prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

313 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

314 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a larger inside diameter after the radial expansion and plastic deformation than the other portion of the tubular assembly.

315 . The method of claim 314 , further comprising:
positioning another tubular assembly within the preexisting structure in overlapping relation to the tubular assembly; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the other tubular assembly within the preexisting structure; wherein, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular assembly, a predetermined portion of the other tubular assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the other tubular assembly.

316 . The method of claim 315 , wherein the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the tubular assembly is equal to the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the other tubular assembly.

317 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises an end portion of the tubular assembly.

318 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

319 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

320 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises an end portion of the tubular assembly.

321 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of other portions of the tubular assembly.

322 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart other portions of the tubular assembly.

323 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of tubular members coupled to one another by corresponding tubular couplings.

324 . The method of claim 323 , wherein the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly; and wherein the tubular members comprise the other portion of the tubular assembly.

325 . The method of claim 323 , wherein one or more of the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

326 . The method of claim 323 , wherein one or more of the tubular members comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

327 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly defines one or more openings.

328 . The method of claim 327 , wherein one or more of the openings comprise slots.

329 . The method of claim 327 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1.

330 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1.

331 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12.

332 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1; and wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12.

333 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a first steel alloy comprising: 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.02% Cr.

334 . The method of claim 333 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

335 . The method of claim 333 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

336 . The method of claim 333 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.48.

337 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a second steel alloy comprising: 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.03% Cr.

338 . The method of claim 337 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

339 . The method of claim 337 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

340 . The method of claim 337 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.04.

341 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a third steel alloy comprising: 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.16% Cu, 0.05% Ni, and 0.05% Cr.

342 . The method of claim 341 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.92.

343 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a fourth steel alloy comprising: 0.02% C, 1.31% Mn, 0.02% P, 0.001% S, 0.45% Si, 9.1% Ni, and 18.7% Cr.

344 . The method of claim 343 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.34.

345 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

346 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

347 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.48.

348 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

349 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

350 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.04.

351 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.92.

352 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.34.

353 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 1.04 to about 1.92.

354 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 47.6 ksi to about 61.7 ksi.

355 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is greater than 0.12.

356 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than the expandability coefficient of the other portion of the tubular assembly.

357 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a wellbore casing.

358 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a pipeline.

359 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a structural support.

360 . A method of joining radially expandable tubular members comprising:
providing a first tubular member; engaging a second tubular member with the first tubular member to form a joint; providing a sleeve having opposite tapered ends and a flange, one of the tapered ends being a surface formed on the flange; mounting the sleeve for overlapping and coupling the first and second tubular members at the joint, wherein the flange is engaged in a recess formed in an adjacent one of the tubular members; wherein the first tubular member, the second tubular member, and the sleeve define a tubular assembly; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular assembly; wherein, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, a predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the tubular assembly.

361 . The method as defined in claim 360 further comprising:
providing a tapered wall in the recess for mating engagement with the tapered end formed on the flange.

362 . The method as defined in claim 360 further comprising:
providing a flange at each tapered end wherein each tapered end is formed on a respective flange.

363 . The method as defined in claim 362 further comprising:
providing a recess in each tubular member.

364 . The method as defined in claim 363 further comprising:
engaging each flange in a respective one of the recesses.

365 . The method as defined in claim 364 further comprising:
providing a tapered wall in each recess for mating engagement with the tapered end formed on a respective one of the flanges.

366 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a higher ductility and a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

367 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a higher ductility prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

368 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

369 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a larger inside diameter after the radial expansion and plastic deformation than the other portion of the tubular assembly.

370 . The method of claim 369 , further comprising:
positioning another tubular assembly within the preexisting structure in overlapping relation to the tubular assembly; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the other tubular assembly within the preexisting structure; wherein, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular assembly, a predetermined portion of the other tubular assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the other tubular assembly.

371 . The method of claim 370 , wherein the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the tubular assembly is equal to the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the other tubular assembly.

372 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises an end portion of the tubular assembly.

373 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

374 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

375 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises an end portion of the tubular assembly.

376 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of other portions of the tubular assembly.

377 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart other portions of the tubular assembly.

378 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of tubular members coupled to one another by corresponding tubular couplings.

379 . The method of claim 378 , wherein the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly; and wherein the tubular members comprise the other portion of the tubular assembly.

380 . The method of claim 378 , wherein one or more of the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

381 . The method of claim 378 , wherein one or more of the tubular members comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

382 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly defines one or more openings.

383 . The method of claim 382 , wherein one or more of the openings comprise slots.

384 . The method of claim 382 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1.

385 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1.

386 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12.

387 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1; and wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12.

388 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a first steel alloy comprising: 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.02% Cr.

389 . The method of claim 388 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

390 . The method of claim 388 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

391 . The method of claim 388 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.48.

392 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a second steel alloy comprising: 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.03% Cr.

393 . The method of claim 392 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

394 . The method of claim 392 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

395 . The method of claim 392 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.04.

396 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a third steel alloy comprising: 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.16% Cu, 0.05% Ni, and 0.05% Cr.

397 . The method of claim 396 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.92.

398 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a fourth steel alloy comprising: 0.02% C, 1.31% Mn, 0.02% P, 0.001% S, 0.45% Si, 9.1% Ni, and 18.7% Cr.

399 . The method of claim 398 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.34.

400 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

401 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

402 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.48.

403 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

404 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

405 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.04.

406 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.92.

407 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.34.

408 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 1.04 to about 1.92.

409 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 47.6 ksi to about 61.7 ksi.

491 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is greater than 0.12.

492 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than the expandability coefficient of the other portion of the tubular assembly.

493 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a wellbore casing.

494 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a pipeline.

495 . The method of claim 360 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a structural support.

496 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein at least a portion of the sleeve is comprised of a frangible material.

497 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the wall thickness of the sleeve is variable.

498 . The method of claim 310 , wherein at least a portion of the sleeve is comprised of a frangible material.

499 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the sleeve comprises a variable wall thickness.

500 . The apparatus of claim 205 , further comprising:
means for increasing the axial compression loading capacity of the joint between the first and second tubular members before and after a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members.

501 . The apparatus of claim 205 , further comprising:
means for increasing the axial tension loading capacity of the joint between the first and second tubular members before and after a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members.

502 . The apparatus of claim 205 , further comprising:
means for increasing the axial compression and tension loading capacity of the joint between the first and second tubular members before and after a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members.

503 . The apparatus of claim 205 , further comprising:
means for avoiding stress risers in the joint between the first and second tubular members before and after a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members.

504 . The apparatus of claim 205 , further comprising:
means for inducing stresses at selected portions of the coupling between the first and second tubular members before and after a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members.

505 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the sleeve is circumferentially tensioned; and wherein the first and second tubular members are circumferentially compressed.

506 . The method of claim 310 , further comprising:
maintaining the sleeve in circumferential tension; and maintaining the first and second tubular members in circumferential compression.

507 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the sleeve is circumferentially tensioned; and
wherein the first and second tubular members are circumferentially compressed.

508 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the sleeve is circumferentially tensioned; and
wherein the first and second tubular members are circumferentially compressed.

509 . The method of claim 310 , further comprising:
maintaining the sleeve in circumferential tension; and maintaining the first and second tubular members in circumferential compression.

510 . The method of claim 310 , further comprising:
maintaining the sleeve in circumferential tension; and maintaining the first and second tubular members in circumferential compression.

511 . The apparatus of claim 500 , wherein the means for increasing the axial compression loading capacity of the coupling between the first and second tubular members before and after a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members is circumferentially tensioned; and wherein the first and second tubular members are circumferentially compressed.

512 . The apparatus of claim 501 , wherein the means for increasing the axial tension loading capacity of the coupling between the first and second tubular members before and after a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members is circumferentially tensioned; and wherein the first and second tubular members are circumferentially compressed.

513 . The apparatus of claim 502 , wherein the means for increasing the axial compression and tension loading capacity of the coupling between the first and second tubular members before and after a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members is circumferentially tensioned; and wherein the first and second tubular members are circumferentially compressed.

514 . The apparatus of claim 503 , wherein the means for avoiding stress risers in the coupling between the first and second tubular members before and after a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members is circumferentially tensioned; and wherein the first and second tubular members are circumferentially compressed.

515 . The apparatus of claim 504 , wherein the means for inducing stresses at selected portions of the coupling between the first and second tubular members before and after a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members is circumferentially tensioned; and wherein the first and second tubular members are circumferentially compressed.

516 . An expandable tubular assembly, comprising:
a first tubular member; a second tubular member coupled to the first tubular member; a first threaded connection for coupling a portion of the first and second tubular members; a second threaded connection spaced apart from the first threaded connection for coupling another portion of the first and second tubular members; a tubular sleeve coupled to and receiving end portions of the first and second tubular members; and a sealing element positioned between the first and second spaced apart threaded connections for sealing an interface between the first and second tubular member; wherein the sealing element is positioned within an annulus defined between the first and second tubular members; and wherein, prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the assembly, a predetermined portion of the assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the apparatus.

517 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly has a higher ductility and a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

518 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly has a higher ductility prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

519 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly has a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

520 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly has a larger inside diameter after the radial expansion and plastic deformation than other portions of the tubular assembly.

521 . The assembly of claim 520 , further comprising:
positioning another assembly within the preexisting structure in overlapping relation to the assembly; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the other assembly within the preexisting structure; wherein, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the assembly, a predetermined portion of the other assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the other assembly.

522 . The assembly of claim 521 , wherein the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the assembly is equal to the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the other assembly.

523 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly comprises an end portion of the assembly.

524 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly comprises a plurality of predetermined portions of the assembly.

525 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart predetermined portions of the assembly.

526 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the other portion of the assembly comprises an end portion of the assembly.

527 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the other portion of the assembly comprises a plurality of other portions of the assembly.

528 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the other portion of the assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart other portions of the assembly.

529 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of tubular members coupled to one another by corresponding tubular couplings.

530 . The assembly of claim 529 , wherein the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the assembly; and wherein the tubular members comprise the other portion of the assembly.

531 . The assembly of claim 529 , wherein one or more of the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the assembly.

532 . The assembly of claim 529 , wherein one or more of the tubular members comprise the predetermined portions of the assembly.

533 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly defines one or more openings.

534 . The assembly of claim 533 , wherein one or more of the openings comprise slots.

535 . The assembly of claim 533 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the assembly is greater than 1.

536 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the assembly is greater than 1.

537 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the assembly is greater than 0.12.

538 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the assembly is greater than 1; and wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the assembly is greater than 0.12.

539 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly comprises a first steel alloy comprising: 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.02% Cr.

540 . The assembly of claim 539 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

541 . The assembly of claim 539 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

542 . The assembly of claim 539 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.48.

543 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly comprises a second steel alloy comprising: 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.03% Cr.

544 . The assembly of claim 543 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

545 . The assembly of claim 543 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

546 . The assembly of claim 543 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.04.

547 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly comprises a third steel alloy comprising: 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.16% Cu, 0.05% Ni, and 0.05% Cr.

548 . The assembly of claim 547 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.92.

549 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the predetermined portion of the assembly comprises a fourth steel alloy comprising: 0.02% C, 1.31% Mn, 0.02% P, 0.001% S, 0.45% Si, 9.1% Ni, and 18.7% Cr.

550 . The assembly of claim 549 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.34.

551 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

552 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

553 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.48.

554 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

555 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

556 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.04.

557 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.92.

558 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.34.

559 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 1.04 to about 1.92.

560 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 47.6 ksi to about 61.7 ksi.

561 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is greater than 0.12.

562 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the assembly is greater than the expandability coefficient of the other portion of the assembly.

563 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the assembly comprises a wellbore casing.

564 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the assembly comprises a pipeline.

565 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the assembly comprises a structural support.

566 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the annulus is at least partially defined by an irregular surface.

567 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the annulus is at least partially defined by a toothed surface.

568 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the sealing element comprises an elastomeric material.

569 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the sealing element comprises a metallic material.

570 . The assembly of claim 516 , wherein the sealing element comprises an elastomeric and a metallic material.

571 . A method of joining radially expandable tubular members comprising:
providing a first tubular member; providing a second tubular member; providing a sleeve; mounting the sleeve for overlapping and coupling the first and second tubular members; threadably coupling the first and second tubular members at a first location; threadably coupling the first and second tubular members at a second location spaced apart from the first location; sealing an interface between the first and second tubular members between the first and second locations using a compressible sealing element, wherein the first tubular member, second tubular member, sleeve, and the sealing element define a tubular assembly; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular assembly; wherein, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, a predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the tubular assembly.

572 . The method as defined in claim 571 wherein the sealing element includes an irregular surface.

573 . The method as defined in claim 571 , wherein the sealing element includes a toothed surface.

574 . The method as defined in claim 571 , wherein the sealing element comprises an elastomeric material.

575 . The method as defined in claim 571 , wherein the sealing element comprises a metallic material.

576 . The method as defined in claim 571 , wherein the sealing element comprises an elastomeric and a metallic material.

577 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a higher ductility and a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

578 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a higher ductility prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

579 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a lower yield point prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation than after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

580 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly has a larger inside diameter after the radial expansion and plastic deformation than the other portion of the tubular assembly.

581 . The method of claim 571 , further comprising:
positioning another tubular assembly within the preexisting structure in overlapping relation to the tubular assembly; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the other tubular assembly within the preexisting structure; wherein, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular assembly, a predetermined portion of the other tubular assembly has a lower yield point than another portion of the other tubular assembly.

582 . The method of claim 581 , wherein the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the tubular assembly is equal to the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed other portion of the other tubular assembly.

583 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises an end portion of the tubular assembly.

584 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

585 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

586 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises an end portion of the tubular assembly.

587 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of other portions of the tubular assembly.

588 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the other portion of the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart other portions of the tubular assembly.

589 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a plurality of tubular members coupled to one another by corresponding tubular couplings.

590 . The method of claim 589 , wherein the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly; and wherein the tubular members comprise the other portion of the tubular assembly.

591 . The method of claim 589 , wherein one or more of the tubular couplings comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

592 . The method of claim 589 , wherein one or more of the tubular members comprise the predetermined portions of the tubular assembly.

593 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly defines one or more openings.

594 . The method of claim 593 , wherein one or more of the openings comprise slots.

595 . The method of claim 593 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1.

596 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1.

597 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12.

598 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the anisotropy for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 1; and wherein the strain hardening exponent for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12.

599 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a first steel alloy comprising: 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.02% Cr.

600 . The method of claim 599 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

601 . The method of claim 599 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

602 . The method of claim 599 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.48.

603 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a second steel alloy comprising: 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, and 0.03% Cr.

604 . The method of claim 603 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

605 . The method of claim 603 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

606 . The method of claim 603 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.04.

607 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a third steel alloy comprising: 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.16% Cu, 0.05% Ni, and 0.05% Cr.

608 . The method of claim 607 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.92.

609 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly comprises a fourth steel alloy comprising: 0.02% C, 1.31% Mn, 0.02% P, 0.001% S, 0.45% Si, 9.1% Ni, and 18.7% Cr.

610 . The method of claim 609 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is about 1.34.

611 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 46.9 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 65.9 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

612 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 40% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

613 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.48.

614 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at most about 57.8 ksi prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation; and wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is at least about 74.4 ksi after the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

615 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly after the radial expansion and plastic deformation is at least about 28% greater than the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation.

616 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.04.

617 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.92.

618 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is at least about 1.34.

619 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the anisotropy of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 1.04 to about 1.92.

620 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the yield point of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, ranges from about 47.6 ksi to about 61.7 ksi.

621 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, is greater than 0.12.

622 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the expandability coefficient of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than the expandability coefficient of the other portion of the tubular assembly.

623 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a wellbore casing.

624 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a pipeline.

625 . The method of claim 571 , wherein the tubular assembly comprises a structural support.

626 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the sleeve comprises:
a plurality of spaced apart tubular sleeves coupled to and receiving end portions of the first and second tubular members.

627 . The apparatus of claim 626 , wherein the first tubular member comprises a first threaded connection; wherein the second tubular member comprises a second threaded connection; wherein the first and second threaded connections are coupled to one another; wherein at least one of the tubular sleeves is positioned in opposing relation to the first threaded connection; and wherein at least one of the tubular sleeves is positioned in opposing relation to the second threaded connection.

628 . The apparatus of claim 626 , wherein the first tubular member comprises a first threaded connection; wherein the second tubular member comprises a second threaded connection; wherein the first and second threaded connections are coupled to one another; and wherein at least one of the tubular sleeves is not positioned in opposing relation to the first and second threaded connections.

629 . The method of claim 310 , further comprising:
threadably coupling the first and second tubular members at a first location; threadably coupling the first and second tubular members at a second location spaced apart from the first location; providing a plurality of sleeves; and mounting the sleeves at spaced apart locations for overlapping and coupling the first and second tubular members.

630 . The method of claim 629 , wherein at least one of the tubular sleeves is positioned in opposing relation to the first threaded coupling; and wherein at least one of the tubular sleeves is positioned in opposing relation to the second threaded coupling.

631 . The method of claim 629 , wherein at least one of the tubular sleeves is not positioned in opposing relation to the first and second threaded couplings.

632 . The apparatus of claim 205 , further comprising:
a threaded connection for coupling a portion of the first and second tubular members; wherein at least a portion of the threaded connection is upset.

633 . The apparatus of claim 632 , wherein at least a portion of tubular sleeve penetrates the first tubular member.

634 . The method of claim 310 , further comprising:
threadably coupling the first and second tubular members; and upsetting the threaded coupling.

635 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the first tubular member further comprises an annular extension extending therefrom; and wherein the flange of the sleeve defines an annular recess for receiving and mating with the annular extension of the first tubular member.

636 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the first tubular member further comprises an annular extension extending therefrom; and wherein the flange of the sleeve defines an annular recess for receiving and mating with the annular extension of the first tubular member.

637 . The apparatus of claim 205 , further comprising:
one or more stress concentrators for concentrating stresses in the joint.

638 . The apparatus as defined in claim 637 , wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more external grooves defined in the first tubular member.

639 . The apparatus as defined in claim 637 , wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more internal grooves defined in the second tubular member.

640 . The apparatus as defined in claim 637 , wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more openings defined in the sleeve.

641 . The apparatus as defined in claim 637 , wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more external grooves defined in the first tubular member; and wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more internal grooves defined in the second tubular member.

642 . The apparatus as defined in claim 637 , wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more external grooves defined in the first tubular member; and wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more openings defined in the sleeve.

643 . The apparatus as defined in claim 637 , wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more internal grooves defined in the second tubular member; and wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more openings defined in the sleeve.

644 . The apparatus as defined in claim 637 , wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more external grooves defined in the first tubular member; wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more internal grooves defined in the second tubular member; and wherein one or more of the stress concentrators comprises one or more openings defined in the sleeve.

645 . The method of claim 310 , further comprising:
concentrating stresses within the joint.

646 . The method as defined in claim 645 , wherein concentrating stresses within the joint comprises using the first tubular member to concentrate stresses within the joint.

647 . The method as defined in claim 645 , wherein concentrating stresses within the joint comprises using the second tubular member to concentrate stresses within the joint.

648 . The method as defined in claim 645 , wherein concentrating stresses within the joint comprises using the sleeve to concentrate stresses within the joint.

649 . The method as defined in claim 645 , wherein concentrating stresses within the joint comprises using the first tubular member and the second tubular member to concentrate stresses within the joint.

650 . The method as defined in claim 645 , wherein concentrating stresses within the joint comprises using the first tubular member and the sleeve to concentrate stresses within the joint.

651 . The method as defined in claim 645 , wherein concentrating stresses within the joint comprises using the second tubular member and the sleeve to concentrate stresses within the joint.

652 . The method as defined in claim 645 , wherein concentrating stresses within the joint comprises using the first tubular member, the second tubular member, and the sleeve to concentrate stresses within the joint.

653 . The apparatus of claim 205 , further comprising:
means for maintaining portions of the first and second tubular member in circumferential compression following the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members.

654 . The apparatus of claim 205 , further comprising:
means for concentrating stresses within the mechanical connection during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members.

655 . The apparatus of claim 205 , further comprising:
means for maintaining portions of the first and second tubular member in circumferential compression following the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members; and means for concentrating stresses Within the mechanical connection during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members.

656 . The method of claim 310 , further comprising:
maintaining portions of the first and second tubular member in circumferential compression following a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members.

657 . The method of claim 310 further comprising:
concentrating stresses within the joint during a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members.

658 . The method of claim 310 , further comprising:
maintaining portions of the first and second tubular member in circumferential compression following a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members; and concentrating stresses within the joint during a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first and second tubular members.

659 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the carbon content of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is less than or equal to 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is less than 0.21.

660 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the carbon content of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is less than 0.36.

661 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the carbon content of the tubular member is less than or equal to 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the tubular member is less than 0.21.

662 . The tubular member of claim 661 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

663 . An expandable tubular member, wherein the carbon content of the tubular member is greater than 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the tubular member is less than 0.36.

664 . The tubular member of claim 663 , wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.

665 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the carbon content of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is less than or equal to 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is less than 0.21.

666 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein the carbon content of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is less than 0.36.

667 . A method of selecting tubular members for radial expansion and plastic deformation, comprising:
selecting a tubular member from a collection of tubular member; determining a carbon content of the selected tubular member; determining a carbon equivalent value for the selected tubular member; and if the carbon content of the selected tubular member is less than or equal to 0.12 percent and the carbon equivalent value for the selected tubular member is less than 0.21, then determining that the selected tubular member is suitable for radial expansion and plastic deformation.

668 . A method of selecting tubular members for radial expansion and plastic deformation, comprising:
selecting a tubular member from a collection of tubular member; determining a carbon content of the selected tubular member; determining a carbon equivalent value for the selected tubular member; and if the carbon content of the selected tubular member is greater than 0.12 percent and the carbon equivalent value for the selected tubular member is less than 0.36, then determining that the selected tubular member is suitable for radial expansion and plastic deformation.

669 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the carbon content of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is less than or equal to 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is less than 0.21.

670 . The apparatus of claim 205 , wherein the carbon content of the predetermined portion of the apparatus is greater than 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the predetermined portion of the apparatus is less than 0.36.

671 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the carbon content of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is less than or equal to 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is less than 0.21.

672 . The method of claim 310 , wherein the carbon content of the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is greater than 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the predetermined portion of the tubular assembly is less than 0.36.

673 . An expandable tubular member, comprising:
a tubular body; wherein a yield point of an inner tubular portion of the tubular body is less than a yield point of an outer tubular portion of the tubular body.

674 . The expandable tubular member of claim 673 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

675 . The expandable tubular member of claim 674 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

676 . The expandable tubular member of claim 674 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

677 . The expandable tubular member of claim 673 , wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

678 . The expandable tubular member of claim 677 , wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

679 . The expandable tubular member of claim 677 , wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

680 . The expandable tubular member of claim 673 ,
wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

681 . The expandable tubular member of claim 680 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

682 . The expandable tubular member of claim 680 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

683 . The expandable tubular member of claim 680 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

684 . The expandable tubular member of claim 680 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

685 . The expandable tubular member of claim 680 , wherein the rate of change of the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body is different than the rate of change of the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body.

686 . The expandable tubular member of claim 680 , wherein the rate of change of the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body is different than the rate of change of the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body.

687 . The method of claim 1 , wherein a yield point of an inner tubular portion of at least a portion of the tubular assembly is less than a yield point of an outer tubular portion of the portion of the tubular assembly.

688 . The method of claim 687 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

689 . The method of claim 688 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

690 . The method of claim 688 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

691 . The method of claim 687 , wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

692 . The method of claim 691 , wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

693 . The method of claim 691 , wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

694 . The method of claim 687 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

695 . The method of claim 694 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

696 . The method of claim 694 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

697 . The method of claim 694 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

698 . The method of claim 694 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

699 . The method of claim 694 , wherein the rate of change of the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body is different than the rate of change of the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body.

700 . The method of claim 694 , wherein the rate of change of the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body is different than the rate of change of the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body.

701 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein a yield point of an inner tubular portion of at least a portion of the tubular assembly is less than a yield point of an outer tubular portion of the portion of the tubular assembly.

702 . The apparatus of claim 701 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

703 . The apparatus of claim 702 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

704 . The apparatus of claim 702 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

705 . The apparatus of claim 701 , wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

706 . The apparatus of claim 705 , wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

707 . The apparatus of claim 705 , wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in an non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

708 . The apparatus of claim 701 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

709 . The apparatus of claim 708 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

710 . The apparatus of claim 708 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

711 . The apparatus of claim 708 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

712 . The apparatus of claim 708 , wherein the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body; and wherein the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body varies in a non-linear fashion as a function of the radial position within the tubular body.

713 . The apparatus of claim 708 , wherein the rate of change of the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body is different than the rate of change of the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body.

714 . The apparatus of claim 708 , wherein the rate of change of the yield point of the inner tubular portion of the tubular body is different than the rate of change of the yield point of the outer tubular portion of the tubular body.

715 . The method of claim 1 , wherein prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, at least a portion of the tubular assembly comprises a microstructure comprising a hard phase structure and a soft phase structure.

716 . The method of claim 715 , wherein prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, at least a portion of the tubular assembly comprises a microstructure comprising a transitional phase structure.

717 . The method of claim 715 , wherein the hard phase structure comprises martensite.

718 . The method of claim 715 , wherein the soft phase structure comprises ferrite.

719 . The method of claim 715 , wherein the transitional phase structure comprises retained austentite.

720 . The method of claim 715 , wherein the hard phase structure comprises martensite; wherein the soft phase structure comprises ferrite; and wherein the transitional phase structure comprises retained austentite.

721 . The method of claim 715 , wherein the portion of the tabular assembly comprising a microstructure comprising a hard phase structure and a soft phase structure comprises, by weight percentage, about 0.1% C, about 1.2% Mn, and about 0.3% Si.

722 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein at least a portion of the tubular assembly comprises a microstructure comprising a hard phase structure and a soft phase structure.

723 . The apparatus of claim 722 , wherein prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, at least a portion of the tubular assembly comprises a microstructure comprising a transitional phase structure.

724 . The apparatus of claim 722 , wherein the hard phase structure comprises martensite.

725 . The apparatus of claim 722 , wherein the soft phase structure comprises ferrite.

726 . The apparatus of claim 722 , wherein the transitional phase structure comprises retained austentite.

727 . The apparatus of claim 722 , wherein the hard phase structure comprises martensite; wherein the soft phase structure comprises ferrite; and wherein the transitional phase structure comprises retained austentite.

728 . The apparatus of claim 722 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprising a microstructure comprising a hard phase structure and a soft phase structure comprises, by weight percentage, about 0.1% C, about 1.2% Mn, and about 0.3% Si.

729 . A method of manufacturing an expandable tubular member, comprising:
providing a tubular member; heat treating the tubular member; and quenching the tubular member; wherein following the quenching, the tubular member comprises a microstructure comprising a hard phase structure and a soft phase structure.

730 . The method of claim 729 , wherein the provided tubular member comprises, by weight percentage, 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, 0.02% Cr, 0.05% V, 0.01% Mo, 0.01% Nb, and 0.01% Ti.

731 . The method of claim 729 , wherein the provided tubular member comprises, by weight percentage, 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, 0.03% Cr, 0.04% V, 0.01% Mo, 0.03% Nb, and 0.01% Ti.

732 . The method of claim 729 , wherein the provided tubular member comprises, by weight percentage, 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.06% Cu, 0.05% Ni, 0.05% Cr, 0.03% V, 0.03% Mo, 0.01% Nb, and 0.01% Ti.

733 . The method of claim 729 , wherein the provided tubular member comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: martensite, pearlite, vanadium carbide, nickel carbide, or titanium carbide.

734 . The method of claim 729 , wherein the provided tubular member comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: pearlite or pearlite striation.

735 . The method of claim 729 , wherein the provided tubular member comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: grain pearlite, widmanstatten martensite, vanadium carbide, nickel carbide, or titanium carbide.

736 . The method of claim 729 , wherein the heat treating comprises heating the provided tubular member for about 10 minutes at 790° C.

737 . The method of claim 729 , wherein the quenching comprises quenching the heat treated tubular member in water.

738 . The method of claim 729 , wherein following the quenching, the tubular member comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: ferrite, grain pearlite, or martensite.

739 . The method of claim 729 , wherein following the quenching, the tubular member comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: ferrite, martensite, or bainite.

740 . The method of claim 729 , wherein following the quenching, the tubular member comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: bainite, pearlite, or ferrite.

741 . The method of claim 729 , wherein following the quenching, the tubular member comprises a yield strength of about 67 ksi and a tensile strength of about 95 ksi.

742 . The method of claim 729 , wherein following the quenching, the tubular member comprises a yield strength of about 82 ksi and a tensile strength of about 130 ksi.

743 . The method of claim 729 , wherein following the quenching, the tubular member comprises a yield strength of about 60 ksi and a tensile strength of about 97 ksi.

744 . The method of claim 729 , further comprising:
positioning the quenched tubular member within a preexisting structure; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure.

745 . The apparatus of claim 142 , wherein at least a portion of the tubular assembly comprises a microstructure comprising a hard phase structure and a soft phase structure.

746 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises, by weight percentage, 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, 0.02% Cr, 0.05% V, 0.01% Mo, 0.01% Nb, and 0.01% Ti.

747 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises, by weight percentage, 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, 0.03% Cr, 0.04% V, 0.01% Mo, 0.03% Nb, and 0.01% Ti.

748 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises, by weight percentage, 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.06% Cu, 0.05% Ni, 0.05% Cr, 0.03% V, 0.03% Mo, 0.01% Nb, and 0.01% Ti.

749 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: martensite, pearlite, vanadium carbide, nickel carbide, or titanium carbide.

750 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: pearlite or pearlite striation.

751 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: grain pearlite, widmanstatten martensite, vanadium carbide, nickel carbide, or titanium carbide.

752 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: ferrite, grain pearlite, or martensite.

753 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: ferrite, martensite, or bainite.

754 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises a microstructure comprising one or more of the following: bainite, pearlite, or ferrite.

755 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises a yield strength of about 67 ksi and a tensile strength of about 95 ksi.

756 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises a yield strength of about 82 ksi and a tensile strength of about 130 ksi.

757 . The apparatus of claim 745 , wherein the portion of the tubular assembly comprises a yield strength of about 60 ksi and a tensile strength of about 97 ksi.

758 . An expandable tubular member comprising a steel alloy comprising: 0.07% Carbon, 1.64% Manganese, 0.011% Phosphor, 0.001% Sulfur, 0.23% Silicon, 0.5%Nickel, 0.51% Chrome, 0.31% Molybdenum, 0.15% Copper, 0.021% Aluminum, 0.04% Vanadium, 0.03% Niobium, and 0.007% Titanium.

759 . An expandable tubular member comprising a collapse strength of approximately 70 ksi and comprising: 0.07% Carbon, 1.64% Manganese, 0.011% Phosphor, 0.001% Sulfur, 0.23% Silicon, 0.5% Nickel, 0.51% Chrome, 0.31% Molybdenum, 0.15% Copper, 0.021% Aluminum, 0.04% Vanadium, 0.03% Niobium, and 0.007% Titanium, wherein, upon radial expansion and plastic deformation, the collapse strength increases to approximately 110 ksi.

760 . An expandable tubular member comprising:
an outer surface; and means for increasing the collapse strength of a tubular assembly when the expandable tubular member is radially expanded and plastically deformed against a preexisting structure, the means coupled to the outer surface.

761 . The tubular member of claim 760 wherein the means comprises a coating comprising a soft metal.

762 . The tubular member of claim 760 wherein the means comprises a coating comprising aluminum.

763 . The tubular member of claim 760 wherein the means comprises a coating comprising aluminum and zinc.

764 . The tubular member of claim 760 wherein the means comprises a coating comprising plastic.

765 . The tubular member of claim 760 wherein the means comprises a material wrapped around the outer surface of the tubular member.

766 . The tubular member of claim 765 wherein the material comprises a soft metal.

767 . The tubular member of claim 765 wherein the material comprises aluminum.

768 . The tubular member of claim 760 wherein the means comprises a coating of varying thickness.

769 . The tubular member of claim 760 wherein the means comprises a non uniform coating.

770 . The tubular member of claim 760 wherein the means comprises a coating having multiple layers.

771 . The tubular member of claim 770 wherein the multiple layers are selected from the group consisting of a soft metal, a plastic, a composite material, and combinations thereof.

772 . A preexisting structure for accepting an expandable tubular member comprising:
a passage defined by the structure; an inner surface on the passage; and means for increasing the collapse strength of a tubular assembly when an expandable tubular member is radially expanded and plastically deformed against the preexisting structure, the means coupled to the inner surface.

773 . The structure of claim 772 wherein the means comprises a coating comprising a soft metal.

774 . The structure of claim 772 wherein the means comprises a coating comprising aluminum.

775 . The structure of claim 772 wherein the coating comprises aluminum and zinc.

776 . The structure of claim 772 wherein the means comprises a coating comprising a plastic.

777 . The structure of claim 772 wherein the means comprises a coating comprising a material lining the inner surface of the tubular member.

778 . The structure of claim 777 wherein the material comprises a soft metal.

779 . The structure of claim 777 wherein the material comprises aluminum.

780 . The tubular member of claim 772 wherein the means comprises a coating of varying thickness.

781 . The tubular member of claim 772 wherein the means comprises a non uniform coating.

782 . The tubular member of claim 772 wherein the means comprises a coating having multiple layers.

783 . The tubular member of claim 782 wherein the multiple layers are selected from the group consisting of a soft metal, a plastic, a composite material, and combinations thereof.

784 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and means for increasing the collapse strength of the assembly when the expandable tubular member is radially expanded and plastically deformed against the structure, the means positioned between the expandable tubular member and the structure.

785 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the structure comprises a wellbore casing.

786 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the structure comprises a tubular member.

787 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising a soft metal.

788 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising aluminum.

789 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising aluminum and zinc.

790 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising a plastic.

791 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising a material wrapped around an outer surface of the expandable tubular member.

792 . The assembly of claim 791 wherein the material comprises a soft metal.

793 . The assembly of claim 791 wherein the material comprises aluminum.

794 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising a material lining an inner surface of the structure.

795 . The assembly of claim 794 wherein the material comprises a soft metal.

796 . The assembly of claim 794 wherein the material comprises aluminum.

797 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer of varying thickness.

798 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the means comprises a non uniform interstitial layer.

799 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer having multiple layers.

800 . The assembly of claim 799 wherein the multiple layers are selected from the group consisting of a soft metal, a plastic, a composite material, and combinations thereof.

801 . The assembly of claim 784 wherein the structure is in circumferential tension.

802 . A tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and an interstitial layer positioned between the structure and expandable tubular member, wherein the collapse strength of the assembly with the interstitial layer is at least 20% greater than the collapse strength without the interstitial layer.

803 . The assembly of claim 802 wherein the structure comprises a wellbore casing.

804 . The assembly of claim 802 wherein the structure comprises a tubular member.

805 . The assembly of claim 802 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum.

806 . The assembly of claim 802 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum and zinc.

807 . The assembly of claim 802 wherein the interstitial layer comprises plastic.

808 . The assembly of claim 802 wherein the interstitial layer has a varying thickness.

809 . The assembly of claim 802 wherein the interstitial layer is non uniform.

810 . The assembly of claim 802 wherein the interstitial layer comprises multiple layers.

811 . The assembly of claim 810 wherein the multiple layers are selected from the group consisting of a soft metal, a plastic, a composite material, and combinations thereof.

812 . The assembly of claim 802 wherein the structure is in circumferential tension.

813 . A tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and an interstitial layer positioned between the structure and expandable tubular member, wherein the collapse strength of the assembly with the interstitial layer is at least 30% greater than the collapse strength without the interstitial layer.

814 . The assembly of claim 813 wherein the structure comprises a wellbore casing.

815 . The assembly of claim 813 wherein the structure comprises a tubular member.

816 . The assembly of claim 813 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum.

817 . The assembly of claim 813 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum and zinc.

818 . The assembly of claim 813 wherein the interstitial layer comprises plastic.

819 . The assembly of claim 813 wherein the interstitial layer has a varying thickness.

820 . The assembly of claim 813 wherein the interstitial layer is non uniform.

821 . The assembly of claim 813 wherein the interstitial layer comprises multiple layers.

822 . The assembly of claim 821 wherein the multiple layers are selected from the group consisting of a soft metal, a plastic, a composite material, and combinations thereof.

823 . The assembly of claim 813 wherein the structure is in circumferential tension.

824 . A tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and an interstitial layer positioned between the structure and expandable tubular member, wherein the collapse strength of the assembly with the interstitial layer is at least 40% greater than the collapse strength without the interstitial layer.

825 . The assembly of claim 824 wherein the structure comprises a wellbore casing.

826 . The assembly of claim 824 wherein the structure comprises a tubular member.

827 . The assembly of claim 824 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum.

828 . The assembly of claim 824 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum and zinc.

829 . The assembly of claim 824 wherein the interstitial layer comprises plastic.

830 . The assembly of claim 824 wherein the interstitial layer has a varying thickness.

831 . The assembly of claim 824 wherein the interstitial layer is non uniform.

832 . The assembly of claim 824 wherein the interstitial layer comprises multiple layers.

833 . The assembly of claim 832 wherein the multiple layers are selected from the group consisting of a soft metal, a plastic, a composite material, and combinations thereof.

834 . The assembly of claim 824 wherein the structure is in circumferential tension.

835 . A tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and an interstitial layer positioned between the structure and expandable tubular member, wherein the collapse strength of the assembly with the interstitial layer is at least 50% greater than the collapse strength without the interstitial layer.

836 . The assembly of claim 835 wherein the structure comprises a wellbore casing.

837 . The assembly of claim 835 wherein the structure comprises a tubular member.

838 . The assembly of claim 835 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum.

839 . The assembly of claim 835 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum and zinc.

840 . The assembly of claim 835 wherein the interstitial layer comprises plastic.

841 . The assembly of claim 835 wherein the interstitial layer has a varying thickness.

842 . The assembly of claim 835 wherein the interstitial layer is non uniform.

843 . The assembly of claim 835 wherein the interstitial layer comprises multiple layers.

844 . The assembly of claim 843 wherein the multiple layers are selected from the group consisting of a soft metal, a plastic, a composite material, and combinations thereof.

845 . The assembly of claim 835 wherein the structure is in circumferential tension.

846 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
an outer tubular member comprising a steel alloy and defining a passage; an inner tubular member comprising a steel alloy and positioned in the passage; and an interstitial layer between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member, the interstitial layer comprising an aluminum material lining an inner surface of the outer tubular member, whereby the collapse strength of the assembly with the interstitial layer is greater than the collapse strength of the assembly without the interstitial layer.

847 . A method for increasing the collapse strength of a tubular assembly comprising:
providing a preexisting structure defining a passage therein; providing an expandable tubular member; coating the expandable tubular member with an interstitial material; positioning the expandable tubular member in the passage defined by the preexisting structure; and expanding the expandable tubular member such that the interstitial material engages the preexisting structure, whereby the collapse strength of the preexisting structure and expandable tubular member with the interstitial material is greater than the collapse strength of the preexisting structure and expandable tubular member without the interstitial material.

848 . The method of claim 847 wherein the preexisting structure comprises a wellbore casing.

849 . The method of claim 847 wherein the preexisting structure comprises a tubular member.

850 . The method of claim 847 wherein the coating comprises applying a soft metal layer on an outer surface of the expandable tubular member.

851 . The method of claim 847 wherein the coating comprises applying an aluminum layer on an outer surface of the expandable tubular member.

852 . The method of claim 847 wherein the coating comprises applying an aluminum/zinc layer on an outer surface of the expandable tubular member.

853 . The method of claim 847 wherein the coating comprises applying a plastic layer on an outer surface of the expandable tubular member.

854 . The method of claim 847 wherein the coating comprises wrapping a material around an outer surface of the expandable tubular member.

855 . The method of claim 847 wherein the material comprises a soft metal.

856 . The method of claim 855 wherein the material comprises aluminum.

857 . The method of claim 847 wherein the expanding results in the expansion of the preexisting structure.

858 . The method of claim 847 wherein the expansion places the preexisting structure in circumferential tension.

859 . A method for increasing the collapse strength of a tubular assembly comprising:
providing a preexisting structure defining a passage therein; providing an expandable tubular member; coating the preexisting structure with an interstitial material; positioning the expandable tubular member in the passage defined by the preexisting structure; and expanding the expandable tubular member such that the interstitial material engages the expandable tubular member, whereby the collapse strength of the preexisting structure and expandable tubular member with the interstitial material is greater than the collapse strength of the preexisting structure and expandable tubular member without the interstitial material.

860 . The method of claim 859 wherein the preexisting structure is a wellbore casing.

861 . The method of claim 859 wherein the preexisting structure is a tubular member.

862 . The method of claim 859 wherein the coating comprises applying a soft metal layer on a surface of the passage in the preexisting structure.

862 . The method of claim 859 wherein the coating comprises applying an aluminum layer on a surface of the passage in the preexisting structure.

864 . The method of claim 859 wherein the coating comprises applying an aluminum/zinc layer on a surface of the passage in the preexisting structure.

865 . The method of claim 859 wherein the coating comprises applying a plastic layer on a surface of the passage in the preexisting structure.

866 . The method of claim 859 wherein the coating comprises lining a material around a surface of the passage in the preexisting structure.

867 . The method of claim 866 wherein the material comprises a soft metal.

868 . The method of claim 866 wherein the material comprises aluminum.

869 . The method of claim 859 wherein the expanding results in the expansion of the preexisting structure.

870 . The method of claim 859 wherein the expanding places the preexisting structure in circumferential tension.

871 . An expandable tubular member comprising:
an outer surface; and an interstitial layer on the outer surface, wherein the interstitial layer comprises an aluminum material resulting in a required expansion operating pressure of approximately 3900 psi for the tubular member.

872 . The assembly of claim 871 wherein the expandable tubular member comprises an expanded 7⅝ inch diameter tubular member.

873 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
an outer surface; and an interstitial layer on the outer surface, wherein the interstitial layer comprises an aluminum/zinc material resulting in a required expansion operating pressure of approximately 3700 psi for the tubular member.

874 . The assembly of claim 873 wherein the expandable tubular member comprises an expanded 7⅝ inch diameter tubular member.

875 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
an outer surface; and an interstitial layer on the outer surface, wherein the interstitial layer comprises an plastic material resulting in a required expansion operating pressure of approximately 3600 psi for the tubular member.

876 . The assembly of claim 875 wherein the expandable tubular member comprises an expanded 7⅝ inch diameter tubular member.

877 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and an interstitial layer positioned between the expandable tubular member and the structure, wherein the interstitial layer has a thickness of approximately 0.05 inches to 0.15 inches.

878 . The assembly of claim 877 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum.

879 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and an interstitial layer positioned between the expandable tubular member and the structure, wherein the interstitial layer has a thickness of approximately 0.07 inches to 0.13 inches.

880 . The assembly of claim 879 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum and zinc.

881 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and an interstitial layer positioned between the expandable tubular member and the structure, wherein the interstitial layer has a thickness of approximately 0.06 inches to 0.14 inches.

882 . The assembly of claim 881 wherein the interstitial layer comprises plastic.

883 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and an interstitial layer positioned between the expandable tubular member and the structure, wherein the interstitial layer has a thickness of approximately 1.6 mm to 2.5 mm between the structure and the expandable tubular member.

884 . The assembly of claim 883 wherein the interstitial layer comprises plastic.

885 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and an interstitial layer positioned between the expandable tubular member and the structure, wherein the interstitial layer has a thickness of approximately 2.6 mm to 3.1 mm between the structure and the expandable tubular member.

886 . The assembly of claim 885 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum.

887 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and an interstitial layer positioned between the expandable tubular member and the structure, wherein the interstitial layer has a thickness of approximately 1.9 mm to 2.5 mm between the structure and the expandable tubular member.

888 . The assembly of claim 887 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum and zinc.

889 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; an interstitial layer positioned between the expandable tubular member and the structure; and a collapse strength greater than approximately 20000 psi.

890 . The assembly of claim 889 wherein the structure comprises a tubular member comprising a diameter of approximately 9⅝ inches.

891 . The assembly of claim 889 wherein the expandable tubular member comprises diameter of approximately 7⅝ inches.

892 . The assembly of claim 889 wherein the expandable tubular member has been expanded by at least 13%.

893 . The assembly of claim 889 wherein the interstitial layer comprises a soft metal.

894 . The assembly of claim 889 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum.

895 . The assembly of claim 889 wherein the interstitial layer comprises aluminum and zinc.

896 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; an interstitial layer positioned between the expandable tubular member and the structure; and a collapse strength greater than approximately 14000 psi.

897 . The assembly of claim 896 wherein the structure comprises a tubular member comprising a diameter of approximately 9⅝ inches.

898 . The assembly of claim 896 wherein the expandable tubular member comprises diameter of approximately 7⅝ inches.

899 . The assembly of claim 896 wherein the expandable tubular member has been expanded by at least 13%.

900 . The assembly of claim 896 wherein the interstitial layer comprises a plastic.

901 . A method for determining the collapse resistance of a tubular assembly comprising:
measuring the collapse resistance of a first tubular member; measuring the collapse resistance of a second tubular member; determining the value of a reinforcement factor for a reinforcement of the first and second tubular members; and multiplying the reinforcement factor by the sum of the collapse resistance of the first tubular member and the collapse resistance of the second tubular member.

902 . An expandable tubular assembly comprising:
a structure defining a passage therein; an expandable tubular member positioned in the passage; and means for modifying the residual stresses in at least one of the structure and the expandable tubular member when the expandable tubular member is radially expanded and plastically deformed against the structure, the means positioned between the expandable tubular member and the structure.

903 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the structure comprises a wellbore casing.

904 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the structure comprises a tubular member.

905 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising a soft metal.

906 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising aluminum.

907 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising aluminum and zinc.

908 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising a plastic.

909 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising a material wrapped around an outer surface of the expandable tubular member.

910 . The assembly of claim 909 wherein the material comprises a soft metal.

911 . The assembly of claim 909 wherein the material comprises aluminum.

912 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer comprising a material lining an inner surface of the structure.

913 . The assembly of claim 912 wherein the material comprises a soft metal.

914 . The assembly of claim 912 wherein the material comprises aluminum.

915 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer of varying thickness.

916 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the means comprises a non uniform interstitial layer.

917 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the means comprises an interstitial layer having multiple layers.

918 . The assembly of claim 917 wherein the multiple layers are selected from the group consisting of a soft metal, a plastic, a composite material, and combinations thereof.

919 . The assembly of claim 902 wherein the structure is in circumferential tension.

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