Strength Analysis and Simulation of Multiple Spot-Welded Joints

Resistance spot welding (RSW) is used widely to cut weight and lower cost in automotive industry. It is important to improve ultimate strength of spot-welded joints for automotive safety. The finite element models (FEM) for multiple spot-welded joints under tensile-shear load are investigated based on experimental results. The effect factors of multiple spot-welded joints strength are analyzed including spacing between two welds, edge distance, weld size and thickness based on finite element analysis (FEA). The analysis shows that weld size and thickness are primary factors affecting the strength of the joints for a given material. The optimized parameters are also discussed to improve structure strength based on effect factor analysis.