Influence of Squeeze Time on Fracture Mode of SS304 Spot Weldments

Mode of failure is the most prominent characteristic and a key indicator of mechanical performance in the resistance spot-welded joints. Therefore, in the current investigation failure mode attained by different weldment of austenitic stainless steel (SS304) thin sheets are analyzed by performing the tensile-shear test. Squeezing time is a crucial parameter that can change the mode of failure of welded specimens. In the present work, the transition of the mode of failure was observed from interfacial to pullout by decreasing squeezing time from 70 to 30 cycles. The pullout mode of failure is a desirable failure mode in terms of mechanical performance. It is also confirmed by perceived output from the present analysis since the highest load-bearing capacity and high energy absorbing capacity is obtained for the lowest squeezing time assisted weld metal rather than higher squeeze time.