Dynamic studies of top-hat thin-walled elements joined by spot-welding

The main subject of the w ork was numerical and ex perimental dynamic studies of t op-hat thin-walled elements joined by spot welding. Spot weld di ameter and pitch distance were the main parameters describing geometrical shape of examined elements as well as the material th ey were made of. The main purpose of the carrie d out investigations was to determine the spot weld pitch distance and diameter influence on thin-w alled elements deformation as well as energy absorption capability. The results enabled determination of high-grade spot welds execution technology and ful l utilization of thin-walled elements energy absorption ability. The analysis of joi ning technique influence the longitudi nal beam deformation manner as well as dy namic energy absorption was executed. Moreover the analysis of materials energy absorption application was carried out. High strength steels, the most often used in the automotive industry, were chosen for the energy absorption elements and load-c arrying structure application. Realized experimental tests enabled the verification of elaborated top-hat profiles discrete models f or various materials, spot weld diameters and pitch distances. The comparis on analysis of the acquired experimental and numerical results was carried out. The obtained outcome may be utilized during the energy absorption elements design and the elaborated discrete models building methodology can be used in preliminary project works, where one has planned numerical simulations of load-carrying structures crash loadings.