Collapse simulation of tubular structures using a finite element limit analysis approach and shell elements

This paper describes the collapse simulation of thin-walled tubular structures using a finite element limit analysis approach and degenerated four-node shell elements. The simulation traces the path of sequential deformation of the structure modelled by considering the strain-hardening effect, which is important for the analysis of collapse behaviour and energy absorption efficiency. The collapse analysis of some square tubes was used to verify the simulation method proposed. Numerical results are compared with experimental observations for sequential collapse loads and deformation modes, showing fairly good coincidence. The collapse analysis of an S-rail was then carried out for sequential collapse loads as well as deformation modes and its results are compared with elasto-plastic analysis results obtained from the explicit dynamic code PAM-CRASH. The energy absorption capacity was studied for a variety of rectangular cross-section aspect ratios. The results show that the energy absorption capacity increases as the height-to-width aspect ratio becomes larger. Results also demonstrate that the finite element limit analysis can predict the plastic collapse load and collapse mode of thin-walled structures efficiently and systematically. The present algorithm with a simple formulation has the advantage of stable convergence, computational efficiency and easy access to strain-hardening materials compared to the incremental rigid–plastic finite element analysis.