Numerical Simulation of Spot-Weld Joints under Crash Loading

This paper compares FE simulations of spot-weld joints for dual-phase steel under different load cases by using damage models of Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) and its two extensions, GTN-Johnson-Cook and GTN-Hutchinson. Spot-weld specimens have three zones depending with different material properties: Base material, heat-affected zone and fusion zone. The characterization of the base material is straightforward. The other two zones are characterized with specifically heat-treated specimens. For each zone, flat smooth tensile, flat notched tensile and Iosipescu-shear specimen are used in order to obtain the damage behavior for different triaxiality values. GTN damage model parameters are calibrated with the help of smooth and notched flat tensile specimens. The parameters of the above mentioned extensions of GTN damage model are identified with the help of Iosipescu-shear specimen. Finally, the calibrated material models are used in the FE simulation of the spot-weld specimens under quasi static-load case (10 mm/min) for loading directions of 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°. The numerical force-displacement results are in good agreement with experimental results. (© 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)