Parametric approach model for determining welding conditions: New type of welding limit diagrams (WLD)

A simple and easily understandable model was developed for predicting the relative importance of different factors (composition of the steels and welding processing conditions) in order to obtain an efficient welding joint. An application on the interstitial free (IF) steel sheets welded by LASER, TIG and also by resistance spot welding (RSW) for automotive industry as well as an application of multipass welds of structural steels for offshore and pressure vessel are given in this study. This model is based on thermal, metallurgical and mechanical and also in situ test conditions. It operates easily on the PC type computer. This approach is an efficient way to separate the responsibilities of the steel maker and welding designer for increasing the reliability of the welded structures. The construction of welding limit diagrams (WLD) that allows us to predict the values of the parameters in order to obtain an efficient welding joint is presented. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All tights reserved.