Experimental and finite element method investigation of the strength of resistance spot welding under impact for automotive applications

The elements that are aimed to be continuously improved in the automotive sector are lightness and vehicle safety due to energy savings. In order to improve these elements, studies are carried out on different materials. In addition to corrosion resistance, AISI 304 stainless steels have important properties such as high formability, weldability and energy absorption capacity. Although AISI 304 stainless steels are used in the automotive industry to create many small components in the exhaust system, it is thought that the popularity of use in vehicle safety will increase by balancing the cost with appropriate designs instead of conventional materials to increase vehicle safety. In this research, the optimum parameters affecting the spot weld strength of AISI 304 stainless steels were determined and hexagonal collision boxes were combined with electric spot resistance welding. Various tests were applied to the combined collision boxes, and their effects on the absorbed energy and collision characteristics were investigated. Experimental and numerical results were examined and optimum electric spot welding design was determined and a verified finite element model was obtained.