How does the presence of a metal tube affect the magnetic field in a solenoid?

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SUMMARY

The presence of a metal tube significantly influences the magnetic field generated by a solenoid. When a wire is wrapped around a metal tube and current is applied, the magnetic field is enhanced by the tube's material properties. Removing the metal tube reduces the magnetic field strength, particularly if the solenoid is designed to act on an external armature. An iron core increases the magnetic field due to its high permeability, while non-magnetic materials like aluminum do not affect the field strength.

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I know an electromagnet can be created by wrapping a wire around a metal tube and putting some current across the wire. This creates a magnetic field. my question is why does the magnetic field decrease when the metal tube is removed leaving just the wire?
 
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It depends upon what sort of solenoid you refer to.
If the solenoid moves an armature inside the tube then you do not want a core of magnetic material as it will not help to increase the magnetic field affecting the magnetic armature. A non-magnetic tube (former) is just needed to maintain the shape of the coil.

If your solenoid acts on an external armature then an Iron (ferromagnetic) core will increase the field considerably due to the increased Permeability. Non-magnetic metal like aluminium will make no difference.
 

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