Finite deformation model for short fiber reinforced composites: Application to hybrid metal-composite clinching joints

The computational modeling of hybrid metal–composite (aluminum alloys-short fiber reinforced polymers) clinching joints requires the use of finite strain constitutive formulations due to the remarkable nonlinear effects that are present in such forming process. In this study, a new invariant-based anisotropic elasto-plastic constitutive model for short fiber reinforced polymers (SFRPs) undergoing finite strains is developed. The modeling procedure fundamentally relies on the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient through the introduction of the so-called isoclinic intermediate configuration. On the computational side, specific aspects with regard to the corresponding algorithmic treatment and numerical implementation of the proposed model are addressed. Experimental–numerical validation examples show the accuracy of the current modeling framework, which is suitable to be employed for modeling clinching joints.