Overload analysis and Je-based fatigue life prediction of spot-welded auto seat belt anchors

We demonstrate the validity of J_e, which comprehensively describes the effects of specimen geometry and loading type, in predicting the fatigue life of auto seat belt anchor panel. We first simplify the heat‐affected zone model to reduce the number of finite elements. We then establish finite‐element models reflecting the actual overload behaviour of three types of seat belt anchor specimens. Using elaborate finite‐element models, we obtain the effective crack‐driving parameter J_e composed of its ductility‐dependent modal components. It is confirmed that the J_e concept successfully predicts the fatigue life of multi‐spot‐welded panel structures represented by auto seat belt anchors here.