LAP SHEAR TEST OF A MAGNESIUM FRICTION SPOT JOINT: NUMERIC MODELING

Friction spot welding (FSpW) is one of the most recently developed solid state joining technologies. In this work, based on former publications, a computer aided draft and engineering resource is used to model a FSpW joint on AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets and subsequently submit the assembly to a typical shear test loading, using a linear elastic model, in order to conceive mechanical tests results. Finite element analysis shows that the plastic flow is concentrated on the welded zone periphery where yield strength is reached. It is supposed that "through the weld" and "circumferential pull-out" variants should be the main failure behaviors, although mechanical testing may provide other types of fracture due to metallurgical features.