Overload analysis and J_e-based fatigue life prediction of spot-welded auto seat belt anchors

摘要

We demonstrate the validity of J_e, which comprehensively describes the effects of specimen geometry and loading type, in predicting the fatigue life of auto seat belt anchor panel. We first simplify the heat-affected zone model to reduce the number of finite elements. We then establish finite-element models reflecting the actual overload behaviour of three types of seat belt anchor specimens. Using elaborate finite-element models, we obtain the effective crack-driving parameter J_e composed of its ductility-dependent modal components. It is confirmed that the J_e concept successfully predicts the fatigue life of multi-spot-welded panel structures represented by auto seat belt anchors here.