5. Conclusion - Outlook

Numerical simulation is an ideal tool for understanding and exploring resistance welding processes. However, the development of this tool always presupposes simplifying assumptions that need to be validated by comparing its results with experience. Only this validation can ensure the relevance of the simulation tool.

The model's input data concern the initial geometry, material properties and boundary conditions according to the physical mechanisms simulated (thermal, electrical, mechanical, metallurgical). Generally speaking, the mechanisms that are least well known (and therefore least well integrated into existing models) are contact properties, the electrical and mechanical characteristics of welding machines, and metallurgical behavior laws.

Careful selection of model results is required. Again, depending on the physical mechanisms...