Modelling the effect of welding current on resistance spot welding of DP600 steel

Experiments were made for welding current variation between 6 kA and 12 kA. Microstructure and mechanical performance under tensile-shear tests were recorded and compared. Welding current effect on micro-properties was very slight while nugget size was highly dependent on welding current. Expulsion phenomenon existed at 12 kA welding current and the unsatisfactory partial interfacial failure was detected. Nugget formation and temperature distribution were analysed numerically. Comparisons with experimental results showed that the nugget size deviation was within 10% and the nugget shape was well predicted. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.