Journal of Applied Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Simulation Study of Spot Weld Material Configurations for Crash Analysis

Sachin Patil and Hamid M Lankarani

In engineering practice, spot welds are normally not modeled in detail, but as connection elements which transfer forces and moments. Therefore a proper methodology for the development detailed weld model to study structural response of the weld when the applied load range is beyond the yield strength discussed in this paper. Threedimensional finite element (FE) models of spot welded joints are developed using LS-Dyna. Simple spot weld models are developed based on the detailed model behavior developed earlier. In order to generate testing data, virtual tensile testing simulations are carried out with mesh sensitivity in the necking zone. This high mesh resolution around necking zone is required to capture the steep gradients in the pressure and stress tri-axility, etc. Once the stress strain curves are generated in the simulations examined damage function and evolution to represent failure. Various EHSS steels grades used in this study. The results from this study shows reasonable agreement between the simulations and the test results. Hence, spot weld model obtained should be considered for crash analysis applications to understand behaviors of structural parts.