A numerical investigation into strength and deformation characteristics of preloaded tubular members under lateral impact loads

This paper presents the results of a numerical investigation into the structural behaviour of preloaded tubular members under lateral impact loads by means of finite element method. The lateral load represents a statically modelled impact from collision between tubular member and a solid rectangular indenter. Three different kinds of end conditions have been applied to the model and the effects of boundary conditions are investigated. Also, the effect of preloading on the buckling strength as well as the ultimate strength for laterally impacted tubes is assessed and it will be shown that preloading and position of applying force directly affect these strengths. In other words, by increasing in the amount of preloading, ultimate strength reduces and member tends to collapse under lower amounts of loads. The influence of the position of applying lateral load has also been addressed and relevant results will be discussed. In order to verify the performance of numerical model, the results have been examined against an available experimental test. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.