Bending of cylindrical steel tubes: numerical modelling

Abstract

Crashworthy structural elements may be subjected to various types of loading, i.e., axial or lateral compression and bending; consequently, extensive theoretical and experimental research work has been carried out exploring the collapse mechanisms that occur under such loading conditions. However, the designer needs theoretical tools ranging from simple analytical calculations to full finite element analysis using nonlinear, large deformation codes. The main objective of the present paper is to apply the explicit FE code LS-DYNA to the simulation of the crash behaviour of thin-walled cylindrical steel tubes subjected to three-point bending test in different positions and directions of the imposed load. The results obtained from the simulation allow us to draw useful conclusions pertaining to the design of the crash behaviour process.