ABSTRACT
A non-linear finite element study carried out on elliptical hollow steel cantilever members having equal cross-sectional area and span length under extremely low cycle fatigue bending load along major axis is presented using the general finite element package, Abaqus. The aspect ratio (major to minor axis diameter ratio), a/b and shell thickness, t of finite element models are varied from 1-2.33 and 4–6 mm respectively. The effects of a/b ratio and section bending slenderness on cyclic rotation capacity and cyclic flexural over-strength of elliptical hollow section models are investigated in this study. It is observed that a/b ratio has a significant effect on cyclic rotation capacity. Unlike cyclic rotation capacity, a/b ratio has a negligible effect on cyclic flexural overstrength. Empirical expressions for predicting cyclic rotation capacity and flexural over-strength of elliptical hollow section beams are derived based on the finite element study.
