Methods and systems for conducting numerical simulation of a structure having HAZ using a FEA model are disclosed. A FEA model includes at least a group of finite elements representing a welded structural part that encompasses at least one HAZ is defined and received in a computer system. Each finite element in the group is configured with at least one integration point according to FEA. The group of finite elements is associated with a set of HAZ material properties representing structural behavior of the welded structural part inside and outside the HAZ. Corresponding material properties are then determined and assigned to each integration point by interpolating the associated set using the shortest heat-propagation distance between each integration point and the heat source locations (e.g., spotwelds' centroid) with an automated procedure that requires no additional input after the HAZ material properties have been defined.
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