Experimental-Numerical Evaluation of Tensile-Shear Response in Resistance Spot Welding of AISI 304L Stainless Steel Joints
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of resistance spot welding (RSW) on the tensile-shear strength of stainless steel AISI 304L joints and was carried out using experimental and FE analyses. The mechanical properties were determined by a tensile shear test of RSW on AISI 304L sheet under different conditions (welding current, weld time, squeeze time, and hold time). The results showed that heat input, mainly controlled by welding current and welding time, was the main factor influencing nugget formation and the load-bearing capacity. A 3D FE model with a close-to-reality mesh of the nugget-HAZ interface was prepared to match the test conditions. The model demonstrated a ring-shaped stress zone along the edge of the nugget and was consistent with the pull-out failure observed in the experiment. The experimental results with errors (3.5–4.8%) and observations can be used to ensure that a properly calibrated FE model can predict RSW performance in AISI 304L and possibly aid in weld parameter optimization. The results provide an effective means of evaluating welds through experiments and simulations.
Downloads
Papers accepted for publication become the copyrighted property of the Annals of "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Fascicle XII, Welding Equipment and Technology. No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, except in limited quantities for the non-commercial purposes of scientific or educational advancement, without permission in writing from the Editorial Board.
