Modeling and characterization of spot weld material configurations for crash analysis

In engineering practice, spot welds are normally not modeled in detail but as connection elements which transfer forces and moments. This study is aimed at introducing 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. Three-dimensional finite element (FE) models of spot welded joints are developed using the LS-Dyna FE code. In this process, the force estimation model of spot welds is explained. The results from this study shows good agreement between the simulations and the tests. Therefore, spot weld models obtained from this study should be considered for applications in crash analysis to understand behaviors of structural parts.