FECT

Abstract: Axial compression test of the steel square tubes was carried to investigate the relationship between the edge length of the tube and the crush strength, peak stress, deformation patterns and deformed dimensions. The crush strength is an index of energy absorption performance. It decreases with the increase of the edge length. The cyclic buckling deformation known as accordion mode were observed. The deformed shape is that like axisymmetric one for the tube with short edge length. The deformed pattern became more regular as the edge length increases. The width of the lobes increased in proportion to the edge length. On the other hand, the pitch of the lobes was not sensitive for the edge length.

Keywords: crush strength, square tubes, axial compression, buckling lobes.