In this study, the microstructural characterisation, mechanical testing and fractography investigation were performed on twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) steels, fabricated with resistance spot welding. Failure mode during the cross-tensile test was found to follow the sequences of strain localisation of both sheets, crack initiation at notch tip, crack following along the fusion boundary and, finally, ductile shear fracture along the sheet thickness direction. On the other hand, failure in the tensile shear test was always directed along the sheet/sheet (s/s) interface; the interfacial failure and shear deformation were observed at the weld centreline. Solidification occurred as a primary austenitic solidification mode, and no martensitic transformations were detected through electron backscatter diffraction analysis. The fusion zone was mainly composed of austenite with directional solidification towards the centreline; the columnar dendritic and equiaxed structures were identified. Interdendritic C and Mn cosegregation were confirmed by electron probe microanalysis.
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