Simulation of the cyclic bending response for 6061-T6 aluminum round-hole tubes

Abstract

In this paper, the simulation of the response for 6061-T6 aluminum alloy round-hole tubes with different hole diameters of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm subjected to cyclic bending is studied. The experimental results tested by Lee et al. [1] were employed in this study. It can be seen that the moment-curvature relationships showed a closed and stable loop from the first bending cycle. The hole diameters have very small influence on the loop shape. But, the ovalization-curvature relationships depicted an asymmetrical, ratcheting, and bow trend. The hole diameter revealed a strong influence on this relationship. Furthermore, higher hole diameters caused larger tube's ovalizations. Finally, the finite element software ANSYS was employed to analyze the moment-curvature and ovalization-curvature relationships. Through comparison with the experimental data, the ANSYS could properly simulate the experimental findings.