Failure Mechanism of Laser Welds in Lap-Shear Specimens of a High Strength Low Alloy Steel

In this study, the failure mechanism of laser welds in lap-shear specimens of a high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel under quasi-static loading conditions is examined based on the experimental results. Optical micrographs of the welds in specimens before tests were examined to understand the microstructure near the weld. A micrographic analysis of the failed welds in lap-shear specimens indicates a ductile necking/shear failure mechanism near the heat affected zone. Micro-hardness tests were conducted to provide an assessment of the mechanical properties of the joint area which has varying microstructure due to the welding process. A finite element analysis was also carried out to identify the effects of the weld geometry and different mechanical properties of the weld and heat affected zones on the failure mechanism. The computational results of the finite element analysis indicate that the material inhomogeneity and geometry of the weld bead play an important role in the ductile necking/shear failure mechanism. The computational results match well with the experimental observations of the necking/shear failure and its location. A finite element analysis with consideration of void nucleation and growth based on the Gurson yield function was also carried out. The results of the finite element analysis based on the Gurson yield function are in good agreement with the experimental observations of the initiation of ductile fracture and its location.