Abstract
The primary aim of this investigation is to examine the resistance spot weldability of dissimilar interstitial-free (IF) and high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels. The effect of dynamic contact resistance on the nugget diameter is examined. The mechanical properties of the spot-welded specimens are investigated in both tensile shear and coach peel configurations. These experiments are supplemented by macro- and microstructural examinations, determination of microhardness profiles, and post-failure examinations, including fractography. It is observed that the nugget diameter increases as mean dynamic contact resistance decreases. The heat-affected zone of the HSLA side of the weld joint shows the maximum hardness, whereas the base metal of the IF side shows the minimum hardness. The hardness at the fusion zone of the dissimilar HSLA–IF joint lies in between that of fusion zone of similar HSLA–HSLA and IF–IF joints because of the homogenization of the chemistry of both the grades. The load carrying ability of the IF–HSLA joint is found to be closer to that of IF–IF joint but significantly lower than that of HSLA–HSLA joint; this is because the location of failure for IF–HSLA and IF–IF joint is same, i.e., the HAZ/base metal interface at IF side, while that of HSLA–HSLA joint is the base metal of HSLA steel.
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The authors would like to acknowledge and thank Scientific Services, Advanced Mechanical Characterization Lab and Material Welding and Joining Lab of Tata Steel Limited, Jamshedpur, India, and Management of National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India.
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Janardhan, G., Mukhopadhyay, G., Kishore, K. et al. Resistance Spot Welding of Dissimilar Interstitial-Free and High-Strength Low-Alloy Steels. J. of Materi Eng and Perform 29, 3383–3394 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-020-04857-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-020-04857-z