Effects of Cross Sectional Shape on Plastic Buckling Behavior of Thin-Walled Polygonal Shell Members

Abstract

The effects of cross sectional shape on plastic buckling behavior of thin-walled polygonal shell members were studied to establish a novel design scheme of the energy absorbing members for automobiles. Finite element results showed that the width of planar region of the polygonal shells controlled the buckling interval, where the interval became smaller as the width of planar region decreased. On the other hand, the arc length of ridgeline controlled the buckling load, where the load became larger as the arc length of ridgeline increased. In addition, the arc length of ridgeline affected the stability of buckling behavior. The validity of the above outcomes was demonstrated through a practical design example of automobile parts.