Effect of Load Distribution Modeling on the Accuracy of Spot Weld Analyses

Computer aided design and finite element analyses are essential fields of modern engineering, and the correct modeling greatly affects the accuracy of simulations as well as design objectives. This paper examines the effect of load distribution modeling on the accuracy of spot weld analyses, which is one of the most important topics in the automotive industry. Specimens similar to components of a vehicle chassis are analyzed under loading applied through distributed coupling and rigid elements. Back-to-back displacement, stress and low cycle fatigue life comparison are done for different load modeling techniques, and results are compared with the test data to determine the correlation levels. Comparative studies are conducted not only for the global response of the specimen, but also for the local effects at the vicinity of the spot welds.