Numerical simulation of aluminum alloy 6082-T6 columns failing by overall buckling

Abstract

Aluminum alloys have found increasing use in space structures, mainly because of their high strength-to-weight ratio and satisfactory corrosion resistance. The work presented in this article is focused on finite element simulation of the failure behavior of aluminum alloy members subjected to an axial compression load and failing in overall buckling mode. The column members were fabricated by extrusion using the relatively new heat-treated aluminum alloy 6082-T6. An accurate finite element model has been developed for the simulation of aluminum alloy columns. The developed finite element model was verified against experimental results and demonstrated that it is capable of accurately predicting the deformed shapes and the ultimate loads of the tested columns. A parametric study was carried out on the stability of aluminum alloy column members failing by overall buckling. A fitting column curve was proposed for aluminum alloy design; it was somewhat more conservative than the column curve from current Chinese code GB50429.