I just noticed several welding related studies and publications on the Auto-Steel Partnership web site. They are listed under "Joining Technologies" at http://www.a-sp.org/publications.htm and include:

Operating Procedures for Conducting the A/SP DOE of Coated Steels Date: July 30, 1999 Committee: Welding Task Force

High Strength Steel Weldability DOE Test Method Correlation Date: December 2, 1998 Committee: Welding Task Force Description: Test method correlation study to compare the A/SP weld quality endurance test method top current automotive resistance welding test procedures.

Weld Quality Test Method Manual Date: October 31, 1997 Committee: Standardized Welding Test Method Task Force Resistance Spot Welding Electrode Wear On Galvannealed Steels Date: September 1997 Committee: Electrode Wear Mechanisms Task Force

Finite Element Modelling Of Electrode Wear Mechanisms Date: April 10, 1995 Committee: Electrode Wear Mechanisms Task Force

Mechanisms Of Electrode Wear During Resistance Spot Welding Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel Date: June 1994 Committee: Electrode Wear Mechanisms Task Force

-- Sam Snow (2snows@mailandnews.com), October 18, 2002