Finite element analysis of residual stress generation during spot welding and its affect on fatigue behavior of spot welded joints

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (November 13, 2006)Includes bibliographical references.Vita.Thesis (Ph. D.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2005.Dissertations, Academic -- University of Missouri--Columbia -- Mechanical and aerospace engineering.This dissertation presents the finite element based prediction of residual stress generation in a spot welded joint during the spot welding process and the effects of residual stress on fatigue behavior of a spot welded joint. Spot welded advanced high strength steels, namely dual phase DP600 GI and transformation induced plasticity TRIP600 steels were investigated for their fatigue life, microstructure changes and fatigue fracture mechanisms to develop design data for possible application in future light weight and more fuel efficiency automobiles