Residual Stresses in Resistance Welding

本提案是开发一个点焊过程的模拟，使用有限元技术来描绘在这种类型的焊接中看到的耦合电、热和机械循环。该模拟将允许研究工艺参数的变化如何影响焊缝形成。特别令人感兴趣的是形成的焊核的尺寸和焊接区残余应力的大小，这可能与焊缝的疲劳寿命有关。这种确定焊接区残余应力的分析方法是新颖的。计划进行实验工作以验证该方法。点焊是一种重要的制造工艺，特别是对汽车工业来说。这项研究可以导致更好地理解残余应力的发展，在这种类型的焊接和有价值的设计准则。

This proposal is to develop a simulation of the spot welding process using finite element techniques to portray the coupled electrical, thermal, and mechanical cycles seen during this type of welding. This simulation will allow study of how variations in process parameters affect weld formation. Of particular interest are the size of the weld nugget formed and the magnitude of the residual stresses in the weld zone which can be related to fatigue life of the weld. This type of analysis to determine the residual stresses in the weld zone is novel. Experimental work to validate the approach is planned. Spot welding is an important manufacturing process, especially for the automotive industry. This research can lead to a better understanding of residual stress development in this type of welding and to valuable design guidelines.