A modified approach to determine the energy dissipation capacity of the basic folding mechanism

In this paper, new assumptions are made to determine the energy dissipation capacity of the basic folding mechanism. The basic folding mechanism, introduced by Wierzbicki and Abramowiciz is an intelligent mathematical imitation of the real crumpling process for simple structural sections. A contribution factor for some part of energy absorption and the new concept of varying rolling radios, based on minimizing instantaneously applied load, are utilized to enrich the old analytical solution. A set of finite element analyses on the axial collapse of square boxcolumns with various cross sections and width to thickness ratios, has been performed to verify the proposed analytical solution vs. the original mathematical model. An excellent agreement in the amount of energy dissipation has been achieved in most cases.