Cross-sectional deformations of rectangular hollow sections in bending: Part I — experiments

This investigation deals with deformations of individual cross-sectional members as flanges and webs in bending of rectangular hollow sections. Part I describes the experimental work, while analytical models developed to predict pre- and post-buckling deformations are presented in a paper to follow (Part II). The experimental program involved rectangular single- and double-chamber aluminium alloy AA6060 extrusions with three different wall thicknesses. The profiles were given two distinct heat treatments to obtain different hardening characteristics. Multiaxial tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties of the materials. The profiles were then bent into a number of different bend radii. Measurements of strains, curvatures, deflections and bending forces were taken. The results show that cross-sectional distortions take place from the very beginning of bending; at first in the form of a uniform sagging-like deformation along the entire length of both sides of the bend until the inner (compressive) flange buckles into several half-waves, superimposing the pre-deformation modes. The instant at which buckling occurs is found to be mainly associated with the width-to-thickness ratio of the flange and the strain hardening characteristic of the material. The magnitude of pre- and post-deformations, however, appears to be more directly related to the actual width of the flange than to its slenderness. The material stress–strain curve is shown to have an increasingly effect on the distortions of members directly sustained to buckling as bending proceeds beyond the onset of buckling, leading to severely concentrated deformations for sections made of low hardening materials. The material has less impact on sagging of the outer (tensile) flange.