Investigating local buckling in highly slender elliptical hollow sections through analysis of 3D-printed analogues

Tubular structural members with slender cross-sections are susceptible to failure through local buckling of their tube walls. Previous numerical studies steel elliptical hollow sections in compression predicted the modes and ultimate loads particularly specimens, results used calibrate design methods for sections. Although these parametric were conducted across a wide slenderness range, it was only possible validate models against experimental low range since commercially-available EHS intended satisfy non-slender geometric limits prescribed by codes. Such limitations scope circumvented present study testing highly-slender specimens produced using additive manufacturing techniques. A total eight various cross-sectional aspect ratios wall thicknesses fabricated at London South Bank University techniques, which then tested compression; observed load-deflection behaviour, loads, longitudinal strains discussed. Through appropriate rescaling relevant parameters, predictions load 3D-printed analogues obtained method use It is shown that safe-sided when compared results, accuracy generally increasing ratio slenderness.