The State of the Art of Finite Element Analysis in Mechanical Clinching

Abstract

Clinching technology is a mechanical connection technology that is applied to connect metal or non-metal sheet materials. It is widely used in different applications, such as automobile, aircraft, household appliances and other industries. In order to reduce weight, save energy, reduce fuel consumption, reduce pollution and curb global warming, lightweight structures with clinched joint are increasingly used in transportation. The finite element technology is popularized in engineering, so that it can get similar results with the test after investing less time, manpower, energy and material resources, which is conducive to the prediction and smooth progress of the test. A review of the finite element analysis of clinching technology is provided in the present paper. The article's work also discusses the strength of the clinched joint, the factors influencing the clinched joint's strength, the failure mechanism of the clinched joint, etc. Furthermore, the novel technologies of clinching as well as the finite element models and methods used in clinching, are introduced. The present paper's main objective was to review the recent developments in the finite element analysis of clinching and provide a basis for further investigation in this area of research.

Simulation of dieless clinching process considering the limit of blank holder

“…However, it need two steps, which increases the complexity of the process. In another study, The finite element method is popularized in mechanical clinching for it can get similar results to the experiment and require less time, manpower, material resources, and energy [25][26][27]. At the same time, orthogonal test [28], Taguchi experiment and other analysis methods were used to analyze the relationship between influencing factors and joint performance.…”

Failure analysis of single-point butt clinched joint with dissimilar aluminium alloy sheets

“…Currently, the common joining techniques of lightweight materials are welding [6], adhesive joining [7], riveting [8] and mechanical clinching [9]. Compared with other conventional joining methods, energy-saving, low cost, environmental protection and easy to automation are the main advantages of the mechanical clinching process [10,11]. Since no additional rivets are required in the joining process, and the static strength of the clinched joint is stable, the mechanical clinching technology has become a research focus in the field of joining lightweight materials [12].…”

Experimental investigation on the mechanical square clinching process for joining Al5052 sheets

“…1 In the context of energy shortage, it is urgent to drop energy consumption. 2 The vehicle manufacturing industry has been eager to use a variety of materials and make full use of the special properties of these materials to improve vehicle performance, reduce costs, and reduce energy consumption. The weight of thin-walled structure can be effectively reduced by using lightweight materials.…”