Crushing analysis of polygonal columns and angle elements

Energy absorption characteristics of regular polygonal columns and angle elements under dynamic axial compression are investigated by using non-linear explicit finite element code LS-DYNA. The influence of central angle on deformation mode and mean crushing force of angle elements is studied. Based on two types of deformation mechanisms known by experiments, two types of initial indentation triggers are introduced. By assuming appropriate boundary condition on the edges, a simplified finite element model is adopted in the analysis of angle elements and validated by comparing with full polygonal column model. Numerical investigations are also carried out to study the influence of angle on angle elements with three and four panels by using the simplified model. Several useful conclusions are drawn about the axial crushing of polygonal columns and angle elements and can be used to guide the design of crashworthiness structures. In addition, a comparison is conducted between the numerical results and theoretical predictions of the mean forces of some special angle elements. Good agreement is obtained.