Applying non-direct similitude technique to the dynamic bending collapse of rectangular section tubes

The impact testing of actual structures is an expensive way of optimising the collision behaviour of guided vehicle design, so that we must resort to numerical simulations. However these numerical models must be calibrated to confirm the predictions. To achieve this, a non-direct similitude technique has been developed which uses approximate scaled models. In a second step, mock-up results are extrapolated by means of analytical and numerical models, in order to describe prototype behaviour. As a validation of this technique, we have developed a relatively simple test of a hollow steel extruded profile colliding with a rigid block. Three bars are studied, at scale factors of 3/8, 3/4 and 1/1.