Experimental Investigation of Plastic Deformation Characteristics of Welded Carbon Steel Pipe Subject to Lateral Impact Loading

Laterally loaded cylinders or pipes are common in many industrial applications. Of particular interest is the deformation response and ability to withstand impact loading due to collisions. The deformation and stress distribution of laterally loaded cylindrical shells is reasonably well established in the literature, however very few publications consider true dynamic loading. Hence, an experiment was conducted to determine the plastic deformation characteristics of welded carbon steel pipe subject to lateral impact loading. This report presents the results and establishes an empirical equation to determine the deformation for a given impact energy and specimen geometry. In addition, the acceleration characteristics are investigated and found to be constant, and therefore acceptable for use in impact attenuators. Moreover, the effects of weld seam placement are qualitatively considered and found to be insignificant in the energy absorption capability of the specimen. Established in the literature, however very few publications consider true dynamic loading. Hence, an experiment was conducted to determine the plastic deformation characteristics of welded carbon steel pipe subject to lateral impact loading. This report presents the results and establishes an empirical equation to determine the deformation for a given impact energy and specimen geometry. In addition, the acceleration characteristics are investigated and found to be constant, and therefore acceptable for use in impact attenuators. Moreover, the effects of weld seam placement are qualitatively considered and found to be insignificant in the energy absorption capability of the specimen.