Tensile testing for weld deformation properties in similar gage tailor welded blanks using the rule of mixtures

A method for measuring the properties of laser weld metal in tailor welded automotive blanks is assessed. Tensile specimens in which the weld lies par allel to the axis of tension are pulled to failure and the weld metal prope rties are determined using a "rule of mixtures" type of calculation. Experi ments are performed using two sets of similar gage welded steel specimens. The sensitivity of determined weld metal properties to specimen size and me ans of determination of weld metal cross-sectional area are assessed. The m ethod is shown to be useful but in need of refinement, especially with resp ect to the measurement of weld metal cross-sectional area. (C) 2001 Elsevie r Science B.V. All rights reserved.