This study conducted an investigation on transverse quasi-static three-point loading on a circular aluminum tube and its characteristic plastic failure and energy-absorption behaviors. The thin wall thickness of the aluminum tube, the various diameter and thickness ratios ( D/ t) of the tube, and the tube length are important control parameters. Experimental data for different span length and thickness ratios of the tube were characterized and correlated to its plastic collapse behavior. A simulation model by computational analysis using ANSYS was also conducted as a comparative study. The results of the study found that transverse three-point bend loading (ASTM F290) of a circular aluminum tube underwent different stages of deformation, from initial pure crumpling to crumpling and bending, and finally, structural rupture. The results of master curve analysis found that regions of high energy absorption and low energy absorption can be classified with respect to the characteristic tubular deformation. High energy absorption deformation is correlated with a short span length and higher D/ t ratio, and vice versa for low energy absorption deformation of the circular aluminum tube. Simulation analysis also predicted similar characteristic trends of deformation behavior in the experiment, with a less than 3% average coefficient of variation.
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