Equivalent modelling strategy for a clinched joint using a simple calibration method

Clinching is a mechanical joining technique that involves severe local plastic deformation of two or more metal sheet parts resulting in a permanent mechanical interlock. Today, it is a reliable joining technique used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), automotive and general steel constructions whilst still gaining interest. As it is not computationally feasible to include detailed sub models of these type of joints in FE simulations of clinched assemblies during the design stage, this paper proposes a simple methodology to represent these connections with simplified elements. The key point of the method is the use of uncoupled plastic behaviour to model the joint plastic properties. In order to calibrate the parameters governing the equivalent model, a simple shear lap and pull-out reference test of a single clinched joint was used. The presented methodology is validated using a modified Arcan test of a single joint, which enables to exert a combination of shear and pull-out loads. Finally, a peel test is conducted to study the influence of bending moments on the behaviour of the joint.