Parametric LS-DYNA/Abaqus Impact Model

Project Title: Finite Element Modelling and Parametric Impact Analysis of Circular Double-Skin Corrugated Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Columns under Low-Velocity Lateral Impact Project Overview: I am conducting PhD-level research focused on the impact behaviour of circular double-skin corrugated concrete-filled steel tubular (DS-CFST) columns subjected to low-velocity lateral impact loading. The objective of this project is to develop a validated and automation-ready finite element (FE) model in LS-DYNA or Abaqus Explicit that can later be used for extensive parametric studies, machine learning dataset generation, and optimization research. The study investigates how corrugation geometry influences the impact resistance, deformation behaviour, energy absorption, and residual strength of double-skin concrete-filled tubular columns. The model will be used for generating a large number of simulations with varying corrugation parameters while maintaining approximately constant steel and concrete material volume across specimens. Model Configuration: The structural system consists of: 1. Outer corrugated circular steel tube 2. Inner plain circular steel tube 3. Concrete infill between the two tubes 4. Rigid impact hammer for low-velocity lateral impact The outer steel tube should have corrugated geometry, while the inner steel tube should remain smooth and circular. Concrete is filled in the annular region between the two tubes. Preferred Geometry: * Circular cross-section * Column height approximately 1500 mm * Outer diameter approximately 300 mm * Inner tube diameter adjustable through hollow ratio * Corrugation along full column height Corrugation Requirements: The geometry must support parametric modification of: * Corrugation amplitude (height) * Corrugation wavelength/pitch * Corrugation profile shape Required corrugation profiles: * Sinusoidal * Trapezoidal * Triangular The model should preferably allow easy switching between profile types without rebuilding the full geometry manually. Impact Conditions: The column will be subjected to low-velocity lateral drop-weight impact at mid-height using a rigid hammer. Variable impact parameters: * Impact velocity * Impact mass Boundary Conditions: Initially: * Fixed supports at both ends * No axial preload required for the first model Optional future extension: * Axial preload before impact * Residual axial compression after impact Material Models: Steel: * Elastic-plastic material model * Strain-rate sensitive preferred Concrete: * Concrete damage/crushing capable material model * Suitable for explicit dynamic analysis * Strain-rate effects preferred Preferred Software: * LS-DYNA preferred OR * Abaqus Explicit LS-DYNA is more preferred because the future work involves large-scale impact simulations and automation. Required Deliverables: 1. Fully working FE model 2. Stable impact simulation 3. Proper contact definitions 4. Suitable meshing strategy 5. Parametric geometry capability 6. Clean and organized keyword/input files 7. Geometry generation workflow 8. Python scripting support preferred 9. Batch simulation setup preferred 10. Documentation/comments explaining model structure Model Requirements: The FE model should be suitable for: * repeated parametric studies, * automated geometry modification, * future machine learning dataset generation. Therefore, the model should NOT rely on excessive manual geometry editing. Automation Requirement: A major goal of this project is future automation. Therefore: * geometry should preferably be script-generated, * parameters should be easy to modify, * .k or input files should remain organized and scalable. If possible, Python scripting should be used for: * automatic geometry generation, * automatic parameter modification, * batch simulation generation, * automated output extraction. Mesh Requirements: * Reasonable mesh quality * Stable explicit timestep * Refined mesh near impact region * Efficient model suitable for multiple runs Expected Outputs: The model should allow extraction of: 1. Peak impact force 2. Midspan displacement 3. Force-displacement response 4. Energy absorption 5. Internal energy 6. Contact force 7. Residual deformation 8. Stress distribution 9. Plastic strain 10. Concrete damage/crushing 11. Residual strength (future extension) Future Research Scope: The validated model will later be expanded for: * large FEM parametric studies, * machine learning model training, * SHAP/feature importance analysis, * symbolic regression, * optimization studies, * design equation development. Target number of future simulations: Approximately 300–1000 simulations through automated parameter variation. Important Notes: * Numerical stability is very important. * Contact convergence should be handled carefully. * The model should be computationally efficient. * Parametric modelling capability is more important than only a single static model. * Clean workflow and future scalability are critical. Please share: * Previous impact dynamics experience * LS-DYNA/Abaqus explicit projects * Example screenshots/results if available * Experience with parametric scripting or automation * Estimated timeline and approach This is a long-term research project, and future collaboration may be possible if the initial work is successful.

Project ID: 40432753