Modelling of the temperature distribution of resistance-spot-welded dissimilar metals using the finite element method

This work proposed the use of the finite element method (FEM) for modelling the temperature distribution of dissimilar metals that were resistance spot welded on the basis of welding parameters. Stainless steel SUS 304 and low carbon steel SS 400 were used. Their properties were set to change according to the temperature history. The modelling set a constant weld current of 12.2 kA as the wave input with a frequency of 50 Hz. ANSYS 12.0 was used to complete the FEM with the discretisation from the resemblance energy. The result of the modelling showed that the highest temperature was always attained at the end of the weld time. The highest temperature of 1456°C was used; this temperature was attained with a weld time of 0.30 s. On the basis of the melting point of the used materials, it can be assumed that the nugget began to form.