Abstract
In order to numerically evaluate automotive hydro-formed DP-steel tubes on crash performance considering welding heat effects, the finite element simulations of crash behavior were performed for hydro-formed tubes with and without heat treatment effects. This work involves the mechanical characterization of the base material and the HAG-welded zone as well as finite element simulations of the crash test of hydro-formed tubes with welded brackets and hydro-forming of tubes. The welding heat effects on the crash performance are evaluated in efforts to improve the process optimization procedure of the engine cradle in the design stage. In particular, FEM simulations on indentations have been performed and experimentally verified for material properties of weld zone and heat affected zone.