Determination of laser weld properties for finite element analysis of laser welded tailored blanks

The present paper details two techniques that were employed to determine laser weld material properties, and outlines how the weld properties were used in the finite element analysis simulation of simple small scale axisymmetric tests. From these simulations, tin understanding of some fundamental laser welded tailored blank formability issues was gained, which would otherwise have required substantial practical tests to he conducted. The materials studied in the present paper were high strength steels, including a relatively newly dei,eloped ultrahigh strength steel, for application in structural body in white components. (C) 2002 IoM Communications Ltd.