Effect of Local Heating on the Mechanical Characteristics of Repaired Automotive Panels

Abstract

Flame straightening is a technology process used to eliminate deformations. This method relies on local heating of the material to correct geometry or damaged parts. In the local automobile services its main use is for repairs of less critical deformed components. The maximum temperature and thermal gradient, heating time, cooling rate and number of heating cycles affect the mechanical properties since local heating can alter material microstructure. The aim of this research was to determine the mechanical characteristics of thin steel plates repaired by local heating associated with plastic deformation (similar to hot working) and cold straightening (similar to local cold working) for automotive side and door panels made of structural steel. Thin sheet plates, 0.9mm thickness, were deformed by impact and repaired by local heating using the flame and induction heating then plastically deformed while hot as well as straightened without heating. The heat repaired samples were studied by light microscopy to determine microstructure change and samples were tensile tested to determine their mechanical characteristics. Local excessive grain growth generates anisotropy, the assembly behaves as a composite material with regions that show significant plastic deformations while others little or no deformations at al. Without procedures adjusted to each material repairs involving heating are to be avoided, cold working should be employed when replacement is not possible.