LOAD BEHAVIOR OF THIN-WALLED SPOT WELDED STRUCTURES USED IN THE VEHICLE INDUSTRY

Some preliminary results from a number of tests on spot welded connections and structures are described. Spot welding is used for the construction of thin-walled mild steel structures, especially in the motor industry. Therefore, these structures not only have the same problems as other thin-walled structures but others which arise from the special characteristics of spot welds. A few steps which should be taken to ensure good quality spot welds are first described and then results of some simple tests on transverse lap joints are presented. It is shown that the geometry of a spot weld array can affect the capacity of that joint to absorb energy. Finally a number of problems associated with the manufacture of spot welded tubular members are discussed. Not only is spot weld spacing of prime importance but also the geometry of the plating being spot welded can affect the strength and ductility of the member.