Numerical Study for the Behavior of Stainless-Steel Sigma Columns Under Axial Compression Load

This study investigated numerically the behavior of slender austenitic stainless-steel grade EN 1.4420 columns under compression loads. The column has a single lipped Sigma cross section. The finite element model was developed using ABAQUS software, then it was validated by comparing its results against outcomes from a previous experimental study. A parametric study conducted on pin-ended Sigma columns explores the effect of various factors on ultimate strength and failure modes, such as thickness (t) and flange width (B). Results indicate that as the thickness of the column increases, so does its ultimate load capacity. Thicker columns tend to fail due to global buckling. The ultimate capacity increases as the flange width (B) increases from 60 mm to 75 mm, remains constant as the flange width (B) increases from 75 mm to 100 mm, and starts to decrease when the flange width (B) exceeds 100 mm. Comparing carbon steel and austenitic stainless steel Sigma columns, the latter shows a 34% increase in bearing capacity