Numerical and experimental investigation of the transmission moment of clinching points

In clinching, the combinations of requirements, materials, component dimensions and tools influence the resulting joint geometry and the resulting bonding mechanisms. These in turn affect the property profile of the joint. For example, it is possible to use different tools to flexibly adapt clinching points to the respective required load regime. Clinching points dimensioned in this way can be geometrically similar, but have different mechanical stress states, which leads to different properties in terms of load-bearing behavior. Within the scope of this work, the clinching process with different tools in optimal and compromise design and its effect on the force and form-closure component, is investigated in a torsion test of the clinched connection. Clinched steel sheets with two thicknesses and joining directions are analyzed. Virtual experiments are carried out using finite element analyses (FEA) of the joining process and are followed by a springback simulation. Subsequently, the surface pressure between the two joining partners in the clinching points is calculated on the basis of the results from the FEA and the transmittable moment of the connection, as an indicator for the force-closure component, is determined. Finally, the experimental and simulated data are compared and discussed.