Numerical simulation on windowed tubes subjected to oblique impact loading and a new method for the design of obliquely loaded tubes

Tubular structures under oblique loading may collapse in axial or bending mode when the load angle is smaller or larger than certain critical value, and the bending mode has much lower energy absorption. In the present study, windowed square tubes subject to oblique impact were numerically studied, with variables being load angle, width and height of window and impact velocity. Next, a new design method was proposed which can effectively increase the tube’s critical load angle without compromising its energy absorbing capacity. The method therefore has great potential in industrial applications where large load angles are expected.

► Numerical simulation on windowed square tubes under oblique impact loading is conducted.
► A novel design procedure based on windowing method is proposed for square tubes subject to oblique impact loading.
► The design procedure can significantly increase the tube’s critical load angle.
► The design procedure does not compromise the tube’s original performance.