Experimental Optical Testing and Numerical Verification by CuFSM of Compression Columns with Modified Channel...

Area of Science:

• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Thin-walled columns are essential structural components.
• Non-standard cross-sections present unique stability challenges.
• Understanding buckling behavior is critical for safety and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify favorable geometric characteristics of thin-walled channel columns with non-standard cross-sections under compressive load.
• To compare experimental and numerical methods for determining column stability.
• To analyze the contribution of different buckling modes to overall stability loss.

Main Methods:

• Experimental investigation using strain gauging and optical methods (ARAMIS system).
• Numerical analysis employing the Finite Strip Method (CuFSM).
• Validation of numerical results against experimental data.

Main Results:

• Critical buckling forces were determined using strain averaging and linear regression tangent methods.
• Buckling forces and modes were identified through optical testing.
• Numerical simulations using CuFSM validated experimental findings and quantified buckling form contributions.

Conclusions:

• The study provides insights into the stability of thin-walled columns with non-standard shapes.
• Experimental and numerical methods effectively determined critical forces and buckling modes.
• Geometric characteristics significantly influence the load-bearing capacity and stability of these columns.