Finite element analysis of circular tubes subjected to cyclic bending with or without external pressure

In this paper, by using an adequate stress-strain relationship, elements, boundary condition and loading condition, a finite element ANSYS analysis on the response of circular tubes subjected to cyclic bending with or without external pressure is discussed. Several loading cases were considered, which were symmetrical cyclic bending with or without external pressure and unsymmetrical cyclic bending with or without external pressure. Experimental data of 1020 carbon steel tubes tested by Corona and Kyriakides [1] were compared with the simulation. It has been shown from experimental data that the ovalization-curvature curve shows a bias along the positive curvature direction for unsymmetrical cyclic bending, and the speed of the accumulating ovalization with external pressure is faster than the speed without external pressure. Through comparison with the experimental data, the finite element ANSYS analysis can properly represent the experimental results.