Collapse load analysis of square and rectangular tubes subjected to transverse in-plane loading

Abstract

Experiments to determine the collapse load of aluminum and mild steel tubes, of square and rectangular cross-sections, between parallel rigid platens were carried out in an Instron machine. A two stage analysis for the collapse of these tubes was carried out by considering the out-of-straightness of arms, corner radius, friction between the platens and the specimen and stability of the vertical arms. Results thus obtained compare well with experiments.