Simulation analysis of the mechanical clinch joining process based on the GTN model

The existing finite element analysis simulation methods on the mechanical clinch joining process have not considered the damage mechanism to material models. To overcome this difficulty, the GTN damage model is adopted to depict the material damage in a simulation-based theoretical model. The material parameters of the GTN model which influence the cavity nucleation, growth and closure are discussed in this work. The results show that the initial fracture point is predicted which is located at the initial side of the clinched joint neck of the upper sheet, which matches with the results of the experimental test very well. It can be concluded that the incorporation of GTN damage model has extended the capability of the simulation model.