AISI Honors Automotive Collaborators with Automotive Excellence Award for Advanced Weld Simulation!

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) presented its prestigious Automotive Excellence Award to three key collaborators—the Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP), General Motors (GM), and the University of Waterloo—for their groundbreaking work in advanced simulation methods to enhance weld integrity in automotive structures. The award was presented at the 23rd annual Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) symposium held on May 21, 2025, in Novi, Michigan.

The project, titled “Advanced Industrial Simulation Method for Spot Weld Separation Validated with Components,” was praised for its innovative approach and its immediate applicability to improving welding techniques in the automotive sector. The award-winning presentation was given by Tingting Zhang of General Motors, representing the collaborative team that worked on the research and validation project.

This project stands out for its comprehensive collaborative efforts among A/SP, General Motors, and the University of Waterloo, with nine individuals contributing their expertise. The initiative’s focus was on improving spot weld integrity, a critical aspect of automotive manufacturing, by applying advanced simulation methods that enhance the accuracy of weld predictions and, ultimately, the safety and durability of vehicle structures.

This initiative’s success lies in its ability to simulate spot weld separation under complex loading conditions. By using a combination of standard and advanced steel coupon tests, the team developed material cards that can be integrated into finite element simulations. These material cards are essential for accurately predicting how welds will behave under quasi-static and dynamic forces. This approach enables engineers to simulate the performance of welded structural components with greater confidence, leading to more accurate designs and enhanced structural performance.

The project directly contributes to increasing confidence in resistance spot weld simulations, which is crucial for broader adoption and use of advanced high-strength steel in automotive manufacturing. This innovation not only improves weld integrity but also supports the safety and reliability of modern vehicles, reinforcing the industry’s push toward lightweighting and sustainability through the use of stronger, lighter materials.

The award-winning project was selected by members of the AISI Automotive Applications Council, who recognized the project for its high-quality research and immediate impact on the industry. The advanced simulation capabilities introduced by the research are expected to play a pivotal role in the development of future vehicle designs, ensuring they are both structurally sound and cost-effective.

Dave Anderson, Chair of the Automotive Applications Council at AISI, commended the team’s collaborative efforts, saying, “This project exemplifies the power of industry partnerships and innovation in advancing the automotive sector. The ability to predict weld integrity with precision is a game changer for the industry, driving safer and more efficient manufacturing processes.”

The recognition of this research aligns with the ongoing efforts within the automotive industry to improve manufacturing processes and product performance through advanced technologies. As automakers and suppliers continue to push for higher performance and sustainability, innovations like this welding simulation methodology will play a critical role in shaping the future of vehicle production.

With this award, the AISI has honored a significant advancement in automotive manufacturing that not only improves welding processes but also enhances the broader capabilities of the automotive industry in adopting new technologies for better, more sustainable vehicle designs.

The award represents a proud milestone for all the involved organizations—Auto/Steel Partnership, General Motors, and the University of Waterloo—as they continue their collaborative journey toward transforming the future of automotive manufacturing.