TY - JOUR A1 - Weber, Gert A1 - Thommes, H. A1 - Gaul, Holger A1 - Hahn, O. A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Resistance spot welding and weldbonding of advanced high strength steels KW - Resistance spot welding KW - High strength steel KW - Weldbonding KW - Widerstandspunktschweißen KW - Hochfester Stahl KW - Punktschweißkleben PY - 2010 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/mawe.201000687 SN - 0933-5137 SN - 1521-4052 VL - 41 IS - 11 SP - 931 EP - 939 PB - Wiley-VCH Verl. CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-22948 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yang, Keke A1 - Wang, Zhuoqun A1 - Haak, Viktor A1 - Olfert, Viktoria A1 - El-Sari, Bassel A1 - Hein, David A1 - Biegler, Max A1 - Rethmeier, Michael A1 - Meschut, Gerson T1 - A novel welding schedule for expanding the expulsion-free process window in resistance spot welding of dissimilar joints with ultra-high strength steel N2 - This study introduces a novel approach to expanding the maximum expulsion-free process window in resistance spot welding (RSW) of dissimilar joints between ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) and mild steel. Quantitative analysis revealed that expulsion is driven by the interaction between nugget growth rate and plastic shell thickness. Based on this finding, the welding schedule was optimized by applying a preheating current to form an initial plastic shell, followed by a ramp-up current profile during the main welding phase. Welding simulations indicated that the ramp-up current slowed nugget growth, improved plastic shell formation, and prevented nugget breakthrough, thereby reducing the risk of expulsion. Experimental validation showed a 19 % increase in maximum expulsion-free heat input, with the nugget diameter increasing by 7.6 % to 8.94 mm compared to the reference welding schedule. Furthermore, even when expulsion occurred beyond the process window, this optimization delayed its occurrence, minimizing its impact on spot weld quality. Finally, the optimized welding schedule also exhibited significant robustness. Despite a 2 mm initial gap disturbance, the maximum expulsionfree heat input increased by 57 %, while the nugget diameter grew by 30 % to 8.92 mm. These results confirm that the proposed approach effectively extends the process window by preventing expulsion and enhances process stability. KW - Expulsion KW - Resistance spot welding KW - Finite element modelling KW - Preheating KW - Ultra-high-strength steel PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-626877 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2025.02.009 SN - 2212-4616 VL - 137 SP - 306 EP - 309 PB - Elsevier BV AN - OPUS4-62687 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - El-Sari, B. A1 - Biegler, M. A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Investigation of the Extrapolation Capability of an Artificial Neural Network Algorithm in Combination with Process Signals in Resistance Spot Welding of Advanced High-Strength Steels N2 - Resistance spot welding is an established joining process for the production of safetyrelevant components in the automotive industry. Therefore, consecutive process monitoring is essential to meet the high quality requirements. Artificial neural networks can be used to evaluate the process parameters and signals, to ensure individual spot weld quality. The predictive accuracy of such algorithms depends on the provided training data set, and the prediction of untrained data is challenging. The aim of this paper was to investigate the extrapolation capability of a multi-layer perceptron model. That means, the predictive performance of the model was tested with data that clearly differed from the training data in terms of material and coating composition. Therefore, three multi-layer perceptron regression models were implemented to predict the nugget diameter from process data. The three models were able to predict the training datasets very well. The models, which were provided with features from the dynamic resistance curve predicted the new dataset better than the model with only process parameters. This study shows the beneficial influence of process signals on the predictive accuracy and robustness of artificial neural network algorithms. Especially, when predicting a data set from outside of the training space. KW - Automotive KW - Artificial intelligence KW - Quality monitoring KW - Resistance spot welding KW - Quality assurance PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-539783 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/met11111874 VL - 11 IS - 11 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - MDPI AN - OPUS4-53978 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Prabitz, Konstantin Manuel A1 - Antretter, Thomas A1 - Rethmeier, Michael A1 - El-Sari, Bassel A1 - Schubert, Holger A1 - Hilpert, Benjamin A1 - Gruber, Martin A1 - Sierlinger, Robert A1 - Ecker, Werner T1 - Numerical and experimental assessment of liquid metal embrittlement in externally loaded spot welds N2 - Zinc-based surface coatings are widely applied with high-strength steels in automotive industry. Some of these base materials show an increased brittle cracking risk during loading. It is necessary to examine electrogalvanized and uncoated samples of a high strength steel susceptible to liquid metal embrittlement during spot welding with applied external load. Therefore, a newly developed tensile test method with a simultaneously applied spot weld is conducted. A fully coupled 3D electrical, thermal, metallurgical and mechanical finite element model depicting the resistant spot welding process combined with the tensile test conducted is mandatory to correct geometric influences of the sample geometry and provides insights into the sample’s time dependent local loading. With increasing external loads, the morphology of the brittle cracks formed is affected more than the crack depth. The validated finite element model applies newly developed damage indicators to predict and explain the liquid metal embrittlement cracking onset and development as well as even ductile failure. KW - Resistance spot welding KW - Finite element simulation KW - Advanced high-strength steel KW - Liquid metal embrittlement KW - Damage prediction KW - Tensile resistance spot welding experiment PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-594848 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-024-01696-7 SN - 0043-2288 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Springer Science and Business Media LLC AN - OPUS4-59484 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Pittner, Andreas A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Life Cycle Assessment of Fusion Welding Processes - A Case Study of Resistance Spot Welding Versus Laser Beam Welding N2 - The high amount of resource consumption of fusion welding processes offers the potential to reduce their environmental impact. While the driving forces are known froma qualitative perspective, the quantitative assessment of the crucial parameters is not a trivial task. Therefore, herein, a welding-specific methodology to utilize life cycle assessment as a tool for evaluating the environmental impact of fusion welding processes is presented. In this context, two welding processes, resistance spot welding and laser beam welding, are analyzed for two different use cases. These comprise the welding of shear test specimens and a cap profile made of electrogalvanized sheets of DC 05þ ZE (1.0312) as representative of an automotive application. For both welding processes, the main influences on the resulting environmental impact categories are evaluated and compared. The requirements for ecological efficient welding processes are discussed and implemented. KW - Resistance spot welding KW - Carbon dioxide footprint KW - Environmental impact categories KW - Laser beam welding KW - Life cycle assessment PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-566458 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.202101343 SN - 1438-1656 VL - 24 IS - 6 SP - 1 EP - 14 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-56645 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yang, K. A1 - Meschut, G. A1 - Seitz, G. A1 - Biegler, M. A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - The Identification of a New Liquid Metal Embrittlement (LME) Type in Resistance Spot Welding of Advanced High Strength Steels on Reduced Flange Widths N2 - Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) cracking is a phenomenon observed during resistance spot welding (RSW) of zinc􀀀coated advanced high􀀀strength steels (AHSS) in automotive manufacturing. In this study, severe cracks are observed at the edge of the sheet under reduced flange widths. These cracks, traversing the AHSS sheet, culminate at the edge with a width of approximately 1.2 mm. Through combined numerical and experimental investigations, and material testing, these cracks are identified and validated as a new type of LME crack. The mechanism behind this crack formation is attributed to unique geometric conditions that, when compared to center welding, amplify radial material flow by ninefold to 0.87 mm. The resultant tangential tensile stresses approximate 760 MPa, which exceed the yield strength of the examined advanced high􀀀strength steel (AHSS) under heightened temperature conditions, and when combined with liquid zinc, promote the formation of this new type of LME crack. KW - Liquid metal embrittlement KW - Crack KW - Advanced high strength steels KW - Resistance spot welding KW - Simulation KW - Flange width PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-586940 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/met13101754 VL - 13 IS - 10 SP - 1 EP - 13 PB - MDPI AN - OPUS4-58694 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yang, Keke A1 - El-Sari, Bassel A1 - Olfert, Viktoria A1 - Wang, Zhuoqun A1 - Biegler, Max A1 - Rethmeier, Michael A1 - Meschut, Gerson T1 - Expulsion prevention in resistance spot welding of dissimilar joints with ultra-high strength steel: An analysis of the mechanism and effect of preheating current N2 - The widespread adoption of ultra-high strength steels, due to their high bulk resistivity, intensifies expulsion issues in resistance spot welding (RSW), deteriorating both the spot weld and surface quality. This study presents a novel approach to prevent expulsion by employing a preheating current. Through characteristic analysis of joint formation under critical welding current, the importance of plastic material encapsulation around the weld nugget (plastic shell) at high temperatures in preventing expulsion is highlighted. To evaluate the effect of preheating on the plastic shell and understand its mechanism in expulsion prevention, a two-dimensional welding simulation model for dissimilar ultra-high strength steel joints was established. The results showed that optimal preheating enhances the thickness of the plastic shell, improving its ability to encapsulate the weld nugget during the primary welding phase, thereby diminishing expulsion risks. Experimental validation confirmed that by employing the optimal preheating current, the maximum nugget diameter was enhanced to 9.42 mm, marking an increase of 13.4 % and extending the weldable current range by 27.5 %. Under quasi-static cross-tensile loading, joints with preheating demonstrated a 7.9 % enhancement in maximum load-bearing capacity compared to joints without preheating, showing a reproducible and complete pull-out failure mode within the heat-affected zone. This study offers a prevention method based on underlying mechanisms, providing a new perspective for future research on welding parameter optimization with the aim of expulsion prevention. KW - Resistance spot welding KW - Finite element modelling KW - Preheating KW - Weldable current range KW - Ultra-high strength steel PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-621719 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2024.06.034 VL - 124 SP - 489 EP - 502 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-62171 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yang, Keke A1 - Sowada, Matthias A1 - Olfert, Viktoria A1 - Seitz, Georg A1 - Schreiber, Vincent A1 - Heitmann, Marcel A1 - Hein, David A1 - Biegler, Max A1 - Jüttner, Sven A1 - Rethmeier, Michael A1 - Meschut, Gerson T1 - Influence of liquid metal embrittlement on the failure behavior of dissimilar spot welds with advanced high-strength steel: A component study N2 - This study investigates the effects of liquid metal embrittlement (LME) cracks on the mechanical performance of resistance spot-welded joints in zinc-coated advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) at the component level. To this end, a novel component-level test specimen featuring a hat and L-shaped profile was developed to identify critical failure points under three-point bending loads. Load-bearing capacity tests were subsequently conducted under both quasi-static and impact loading conditions, specifically targeting LME cracks with an average depth reaching 63.6% of the sheet thickness. By monitoring the surface strain of spot welds affected by LME cracks, the study visualizes stress concentration effects at the crack tips and traces the propagation of these cracks into the base material, which ultimately leads to material tearing and joint failure. The findings reveal that the effect of LME cracks in reducing load-bearing capacity is more pronounced under impact loading than under quasi-static loading, highlighting a previously underexplored aspect of LME behavior under impact loading. Specifically, the peak load decreased by 3.9% and 10.8%, while energy absorption declined by 52.2% and 78.3% under quasistatic and impact loading, respectively. KW - Liquid metal embrittlement KW - Resistance spot welding KW - Impact loading KW - Crack propagation KW - Advanced high-strength steel PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-621727 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2024.11.166 VL - 33 SP - 8321 EP - 8328 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-62172 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gaul, Holger A1 - Weber, Gert A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Evaluation of fatigue crack propagation in spot welded joints by stiffness measurements N2 - Resistance spot welded joints made of two advanced high strength steels (AHSS) and one high strength steel (HSS) were examined. In the high cycle fatigue regime tests were realised for one loading condition, and the load and the displacement were measured. From the load and displacement range, the stiffness was calculated and in situ normalised to its value after 1000 cycles. It was thus possible to use the normalised stiffness evaluated during the experiment as failure criterion for the fatigue test of resistance spot welded joints. In order to evaluate this failure criterion, fatigue cracks were produced in the three different steel grades mentioned above according to user-specified levels of the normalised stiffness. It was found that the fatigue crack area increases linearly and the through-sheet-thickness crack length exponentially with decreasing stiffness. The comparison of the fatigue crack propagation during the fatigue test of the three different tested base metals showed very similar values. The comparability of fatigue tests performed on spot welded joints might thus be improved by the in situ evaluated stiffness as a failure criterion. This can be also used in further work to verify results of computer simulations of the stress intensity factor at spot welds with the help of experimental results. KW - Resistance spot welding KW - Fatigue KW - Frequency KW - Stiffness KW - Advanced high strength steels KW - Crack growth PY - 2011 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2010.12.005 SN - 0142-1123 VL - 33 IS - 5 SP - 740 EP - 745 PB - Elsevier CY - Oxford AN - OPUS4-22207 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gaul, Holger A1 - Brauser, Stephan A1 - Weber, Gert A1 - Rethmeier, Michael T1 - Methods to obtain weld discontinuities in spot-welded joints made of advanced high-strength steels N2 - Resistance spot welding is the major joining technique in mass car production. This applies in particular to high-strength steel and advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) joining of thin sheet steel components for lightweight body shell structures. Joining of AHSS in mass production might lead to weld discontinuities under certain circumstances. Those discontinuities in form of cracks might be an initial start of cracking in the spot-welded joints regarding fatigue loads. It is of great interest to figure out, if, in comparison to specimens without weld discontinuities, the crack initiating point changes and if the fatigue resistance might be reduced by the discontinuities. In this contribution, an overview of potential discontinuities is given. Their possible causes are discussed and means for their detection are highlighted. Among the possible causes of weld discontinuities, two major groups are distinguished: the welding parameters as primary influences in the welding process, and the production-specific influences as secondary ones. With emphasis on major cracks penetrating the weld nugget, these influences are analysed. Finally, a combination of extreme welding parameters with production-specific influences is chosen in order to establish a method which enables the preparation of fatigue test specimens with reproducible major cracks in different locations of the spot-welded joints. This method is than applied in order to prepare spot weld specimens for fatigue tests. KW - Cracking KW - Defects KW - Fatigue loading KW - High strength steels KW - Resistance spot welding PY - 2011 SN - 0043-2288 SN - 1878-6669 VL - 55 IS - 11/12 SP - 99 EP - 106 PB - Springer CY - Oxford AN - OPUS4-25026 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -