Square aluminum tubes subjected to oblique loading

The behavior and energy-absorbing capability of obliquely loaded square thin-walled aluminum columns in alloy AA6060 were studied through quasi-static experiments and FEM-analyses with LS-DYNA. The specimens were clamped at one end and oblique loading conditions were realized by applying a force with different angles to the centerline of the column. The primary variables were load angle, wall thickness and heat treatment of the alloy. The experimental results were compared with the numerical results, and the capacity was compared with Eurocode 9. LS-DYNA was able to predict peak loads with very good accuracy, while the mean loads were conservative compared to the experimental results. Furthermore, the study showed that Eurocode 9 is conservative, and that the moment capacity can be increased for temper T4 and cross-section class 1 and 2. The initial and subsequent failure loci are constructed from experimental and numerical results, and the failure loci shrink for increasing additional rotation from the initial position.