Numerical Simulation of Residual Stresses in a Spot Welded Joint

Abstract

An incremental and thermal-electro-mechanical coupled finite element model has been presented in this study for predicting residual stress distribution in a spot welded steel joint. Approximate temperature dependent material properties, including physical and mechanical properties, have been considered. The spot nugget shape and the residual stress distribution were obtained by simulation. The results obtained have been compared with experimental measurements, and good agreement is observed. The highest tensile residual stress occurs at the center of the nugget and the residual stress decreases towards the edge of the nugget.