Equivalent Tensile Properties Analysis of the Dimpled Sheet

Abstract

A dimpled sheet is a novel cold-roll structure made from a plain sheet. The yield strength and elastic modulus of the sheet are altered significantly during the dimpling process. In this study, the equivalent tensile properties of a dimpled sheet are examined. First, tensile testing of a dimpled sheet with typical structural parameters is conducted. Then, finite element analysis based on a unit cell is used to analyze the tensile properties; the results are found to be in good agreement with the experimental findings. Finally, the effects of different structural parameters on the equivalent tensile properties of the dimpled sheet are investigated. The results show that the tensile properties can be obtained using the unit-cell finite element method. Further, the changes in the tensile properties are caused by geometric variations and work hardening occurring during the dimpling process. The yield strength of the dimpled sheet first increases and then decreases as the relative thickness increases. However, the yield strength decreases with increasing relative period distance. The equivalent elastic modulus decreases as the relative thickness increases, but increases with the relative period distance. This study and its findings provide theoretical support for optimal design of a dimpled sheet under tensile loading.