Effect of Resistance Spot Welding Parameters on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Multigrade Advanced High-Strength Steel Joints”

Abstract

Abstract: Tap on Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) materials, which are already widely adopted in automotive and structural applications, due to their high strength, good ductility and ability to provide weight reduction of the parts. Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) is one of the most popular methods for welding AHSS sheets. But the welding parameters including welding current, welding time, and electrode force and hold time have a significant effect on the weld nugget and HAZ morphology and characteristics. This work potentially studies the influence of resistances spot welding parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of multipurpose AHSS joints. The parents and spot-welded joints are characterized with respect to their microstructures, tensile-shear strength and hardness. The characteristics of materials before and after welding and the relationship between welding parameters, evolution of microstructures and characteristics of the welding joints are compared. The expected results will serve as valuable data to determine optimal RSW parameters to make reliable joints with enhanced mechanical properties of AHSS materials.