Dynamic behavior of scaled tubular K-joints subjected to impact loads

This paper examines the dynamic behavior of the tubular K-joints in offshore platforms by means of experimental and numerical studies. The structural response is studied through Falling Weight Impact Tester(FWIT) with three different falling heights. A non-direct similitude method is developed and applied to the scaled K-joint models. The experimental results, including final deformed shapes and impact force responses, are reported to be useful for further benchmark studies. The finite element models are then developed by commercial software LS-DYNA, where nonlinear material properties are considered based on the corresponding tensile tests. Good correspondence between the numerical and experimental results is achieved, and relevant sensitivity analyses of numerical results are carried out to verify the reliability of the numerical models. Finally, the influence of the strain-rate definition and the reliability of the similarity are discussed. In general, the impact response in the present study is significantly dependent on the definition of dynamic material characteristics. The results obtained from Cowper-Symonds model with constants derived from the dynamic tensile test yield a good estimation when compared with the experimental results. Besides, scaled models tend to obtain un-conservative prediction results, and the developed non-direct similitude method is appropriate for the application.