Improvement of the microstructural features and mechanical properties of advanced high-strength steel DP590 welds

The effects of the welding current mode in resistance spot welding on the microstructure and mechanical properties of advanced high-strength steel dual-phase 590(DP590)sheets were investigated.Results showed that a rough martensitic structure was formed in the weld zone of the sample welded via the single-pulsed mode,whereas the microstructure in the heat-affected zone consisted of a very rough martensitic microstructure and rough ferrite.However,using the secondary pulse mode led to the formation of tempered martensite in the weld zone.The maximum load and the energy absorption to failure of the samples with the secondary pulsed cycle were higher than those of the samples with the single-pulsed mode.Tensile shear results indicated that the secondary pulsed mode could significantly change the mode of failure upon shear tension testing.Therefore,the obtained results suggest that the use of secondary pulsed mode can improve the microstructural feature and mechanical properties of advanced high-strength steel DP590 welds.