Numerical analysis of single sided spot welding process used in sheet to tube joining

Abstract

As a new kind of lightweight structure, hydroformed tubes are now widely used in vehicle bodies. The single sided spot welding (SSSW) is a variation of resistance welding used in joining hydroformed closed tubular parts and vehicle structures. During the process of SSSW, large deformation and complex contact status of the workpieces occur because there is no inside support. The time variation of the contact region and pressure distribution changes the flow paths for electric current timely and brings a fierce shunting at the position far away from the axis line, which prevents the heat concentration at the faying surface of workpieces. The characteristics of SSSW different from those of classical resistance welding mentioned above make it difficult to determine rational welding processing parameters for SSSW. In the present paper, a comprehensive structural–thermoelectric model is established. Using the incrementally coupled analysis of finite element analysis, the electrical, thermal and mechanical aspects of sheet to tube process using SSSW are investigated. The mechanical characteristic of specimens during the squeeze and welding progress, the electric current density transient distribution, the nugget formation process, and the effects of welding parameters for SSSW are discussed. It is found that ring nugget is obtained by sheet to tube SSSW. Modifying electrode force during welding cycle is a valid method to obtain acceptable nugget with shorter welding time or less energy. The calculated results of nugget size and location are in good agreement with those of experimental observations.