Modelling methodologies with beam finite elements for collapse analysis of tubular members/cylindrical shells

摘要

The present study addresses how local inelastic buckling of tubular members may be accounted for in beam finite element models. This gives very efficient computation of large structural systems loaded into the nonlinear regime. Criteria for onset of local buckling are presented and compared to test results for D/t-ratios ranging from 21 to 80. The importance and utilisation of stub-column data is pointed out. The beam elements are either based on integration of (uniaxial) stresses over cross section or plastic hinge models. Accounting for local buckling, both ways of modelling simulate collapse load, combined global and local buckling, and post-local buckling very well for the D/t-ratios investigated.