| Abstract Scope |
Advanced high strength steels (AHSS) are excellent choices for automobile industry because of their high specific strength. Resistance spot welding (RSW) is used to join steel sheets; but, melting the protective Zn layer during RSW causes liquid metal embrittlement (LME), manifested in reduced ductility of normally ductile metals. Chemical composition is one of the most important aspects that impacts LME, thus, to develop less susceptible materials, it's important to understand how the susceptibility to LME is affected by the steel composition. Si is one of the essential elements used in the production of AHSS. Si has positive effects on the steel's microstructure and mechanical properties, but high Si concentrations make the steel more susceptible to LME. In this study, hot tensile testing and post-microstructural characterization were used to assess and compare the LME susceptibility of Zn coated AHSSs with various Si levels, to understand the role of Si. |