Fracture Prediction of Steel-Plated Structures under Low-Velocity Impact

In this paper, a validation study of a recently proposed rate-dependent shell element fracture model using quasi-static and dynamic impact tests on square hollow sections (SHS) made from offshore high-tensile strength steel was presented. A rate-dependent forming limit curve was used to predict the membrane loading-dominated failure, while a rate-dependent ductile fracture locus was applied for predicting failure governed by bend loading. The predicted peak force and fracture initiation using the adopted material and fracture model agreed well with the experimental results. The fracture mode was also captured accurately. Further simulations were performed to discuss the importance of the inclusion of dynamic effects and the separate treatment of failure modes. Finally, the shortcomings of the common practice of treatment of rate-effects in low-velocity impact simulations involving fracture were highlighted.

Automated summary

In this paper, a recently proposed rate-dependent shell element fracture model was validated using quasi-static and dynamic impact tests on square hollow sections made from offshore high-tensile strength steel. The study successfully predicted the membrane loading-dominated failure and bend loading failure using rate-dependent forming limit curves and ductile fracture loci, respectively. The adopted material and fracture model accurately predicted the peak force, fracture initiation, and fracture mode. The importance of considering dynamic effects and separate treatment of failure modes was further discussed. The shortcomings of the common practice of treatment of rate-effects in low-velocity impact simulations involving fracture were highlighted.