Abstract
For engineers in the industry, this study considers a reliable and practical finite element modeling technique to estimate the behavior of closed thin-walled members with spot weldings. Dynamic and static experiments confirm that the technique - modeling the spot weldings with solid elements which have the adjusted rotational freedoms and fill the welding space - Yields satisfactory results. Numerical studies on the double hat-shaped members. adopting this modeling technique. show the effect of the spot welding Pitch and the spot welding location in the flange on the stiffness of the members Using the principal stiffness and newly proposed GSPI(global stiffness performance index), we also carefully examine how the spot welding curvature, and sectional shape, etc.. synthetically influence the stiffness of a real excavator pillar in the field.