Mechanical performance of 6082-T6 aluminum alloy columns under eccentric compression at elevated temperatures

To study the stability of aluminum alloy columns (AACs) under an axial compressive load and a bending moment at high temperatures, 30 AACs under eccentric compression were tested in a high-temperature environment. All the specimens were H-shaped, and the material was 6082-T6 aluminum alloy. After the test, it was found that all the AACs suffered bending and torsional instability. ABAQUS software was used to establish a finite element (FE) model. The accuracy of the FE model was validated by comparing the experimental results with those of the FE model. A design formula for the stability capacity of AACs under eccentric compression at high temperatures was proposed. To study the reliability of the formula, 2520 FE models were established at five different temperatures with two different cross sections. The results showed that the formula for the stability bearing capacity of AACs under eccentric compression at high temperatures was safe and reliable. Finally, the test results were compared with the results obtained using a fitting formula and European standard EC9. The results of EC9 were found to be more conservative, while the results of the fitting formula were closer to the experimental data.

Automated summary

This study investigates the stability of aluminum alloy columns (AACs) under axial compressive load and bending moment at high temperatures. Experimental tests were conducted on 30 AACs under eccentric compression in a high-temperature environment. An ABAQUS finite element model was established, and its accuracy was validated by comparing it with the experimental results. A design formula for the stability capacity of AACs under eccentric compression at high temperatures was proposed. The reliability of the formula was studied using 2520 finite element models at different temperatures and cross-sections. The results showed that the formula was safe and reliable for determining the stability bearing capacity of AACs under eccentric compression at high temperatures.