An analysis of the local buckling collapse behavior of an aluminum square tube under concentrated bending moment loads

Abstract

To analyze the bending collapse behavior of an aluminum square tube under the bending moment load, a finite element simulation for the four-point bending test has been performed. Using an aluminum tube beam specimen partly inserted with two steel bars, local buckling deformation near the center of the tube beam was induced. Simulated moment-rotation angle curve obtained during the post-collapse period of the aluminum tube with steel bars were in good agreement with experimental result, which was comparable to the result obtained from Kecman's theory. Using a combination of the four-point bending test and its finite-element simulation, analysis of the local buckling and the bending collapse behavior of an aluminum tube beam could be quantitatively accomplished.