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Weld nugget development and integrity in resistance spot welding of high-strength cold-rolled sheet steels

Journal Article · · Welding Journal (Miami); (United States)
OSTI ID:6615547
;  [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Univ. of Illinois, Chicago (United States)
  2. Inland Steel Co. Research Lab., East Chicago, IN (United States)

Spot welds were produced using a high-strength cold-rolled sheet steel 0.08-in. (1.9-mm) thick. The welding parameters were systematically varied to examine their effects on nugget formation, microstructure, and mechanical properties. Following welding, several spot welds were cross-sectioned and mechanically polished for metallographic examination. Other spot welds were submitted to shear tensile tests. It is observed that welding current and weld time are more significant parameters than applied electrode force in affecting expulsion. In all the spot welds examined, it was found that solidification cracking could be reduced but not eliminated, and it was observed that for this particular steel, a weld cycle of 18 and a holding cycle of 15 resulted in the least amount of solidification cracking. Nugget displacement to one side of the faying surface, also known as 'stuck weld,' was observed in some samples that showed banding from rolling. Prior to melting, it appears that solid-state metallic bonding occurs during nugget development.

OSTI ID:
6615547
Journal Information:
Welding Journal (Miami); (United States), Journal Name: Welding Journal (Miami); (United States) Vol. 72:5; ISSN 0043-2296; ISSN WEJUA3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English