Numerical Modeling of Stainless Steel Structural Components—A Consistent Approach

This paper describes numerical modeling of the structural response of stainless steel hollow sections. The aim of the investigation was to develop a consistent approach to the modeling of stainless steel structures. The developed finite element models are more sophisticated than any other reported attempts to model stainless steel structural behavior, with general expressions defined for material stress–strain behavior, enhanced strength corner properties, initial geometric imperfection modes, and amplitudes (local and global), and residual stresses. The general expressions define a consistent means of describing the key input parameters. A compound (two-stage) Ramberg–Osgood model is developed to describe stainless steel material stress–strain behavior in tension and compression. For the prediction of enhanced strength corner properties, a simple, though accurate model is proposed. Characterization of local plate imperfection amplitudes is described whereby a model originally devised for hot-rolled carbon steel cross sections was recalibrated and applied to stainless steel cross sections. Numerical prediction of the key performance measures from tests is achieved with a high degree of accuracy: On average, ultimate load was predicted to within 3% and with a low standard deviation; deformation at ultimate load was within 6%, but exhibited a higher standard deviation; and the general form of the load–deformation response and the failure modes were similar.