Scaling of dynamic bending response of metal tube under impact loading considering strain rate effects

Based on the engineering background of the heavy drop impacting metal tube, the scaling law without considering the strain rate effects was deduced according to the π theorem. Then, the scaling law considering the strain rate effects by modifying the initial velocity was derived. Finally, two scaling laws are compared by experiments and numerical simulation. The following conclusions are drawn: the scaling law without considering the strain rate effects is completely self-contained. However, if the strain rate effects are taken into account, the scaling law will be distorted. The scaling law for modifying the initial velocity can make the model test more accurately reflect the prototype test. The model test guided by the modified scaling law fits better with the prototype in terms of pipeline deformation, effective strain, effective stress, and particle vibration velocity, and the error is reduced by more than 50%.