<jats:p>Three-dimensional modelling enables to determine the in-plane material flow in asymmetrical situation. Thus, the distortion of the sheets to be joined can be characterized more exactly. This study shows a method for building up a three-dimensional shear-clinching framework without damage criteria. In fact, the die-sided sheet in shear-clinching was designed as a pre-punched sheet and slugs. The material separation in the die-sided joining partner, which in two-dimensional simulation is often described by macro- and micromechanical fracture criteria, was realised in this study based on a defined contact condition. By means of a shear-cutting simulation, a correlation between the break angle and the separation stress was determined, which was used as a separation criterion in the shear-clinching simulation. The separation line was confirmed using post-particles. To validate this model, the results of the simulation using a quadratic single-point specimen were compared to the experiments with respect to the distortion of the joining partner. In general, the built three-dimensional framework provides for further tool developments with regard to the reduction of distortion in shear-clinching.</jats:p>

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>In order to reduce fuel consumption and thus pollutant emissions, the automotive industry is increasingly developing lightweight construction concepts that are accompanied by an increasing usage of aluminum materials. Due to poor weldability of aluminum in combination with other materials, mechanical joining methods such as clinching were developed and established in series production. In order to predict the relevant characteristics of clinched joints and to ensure the reliability of the process, it is simulated numerically during product development processes. In this regard, the predictive accuracy of the simulated process highly depends on the implemented friction model. In particular, the frictional behavior between the sheet metals as well as between the sheet metal and clinching tools has a significant impact on the geometrical formation of the clinched joint. No testing methods exist that can sufficiently investigate the frictional behavior in sheet materials, especially under high interface pressures, different relative velocities, and long friction paths, while allowing a decoupled consideration of the test parameters. This paper describes the development of further testing concepts based on a proven tribo-torsion test method for determining friction coefficients between sheet metal materials for the simulation of clinching processes. For this purpose, the correlation of interface pressure and the relative velocity between aluminum and steel sheet material in clinching processes is investigated using numerical simulation. Based on these findings, the developed concepts focus on determining friction coefficients at interface pressures of the above materials, yield stress, as well as the reproduction of the occurring friction conditions between sheet metal materials and tool surfaces in clinching processes using tool substitutes. Furthermore, wear investigations between sheet metal material and tool surface were carried out in the friction tests with subsequent EDX analyses of the frictioned tool surfaces. The developed method also allows an optical deformation measurement of the sheet metal material specimen by means of digital image correlation (DIC). Based on a methodological approach, the test setups and the test systems used are explained, and the functionality of the concepts is proven by experimental tests using different sheet metal materials.</jats:p>

The predictive quality of numerical simulations for mechanical joining processes depends on the implemented material model, especially regarding the plasticity of the joining parts. Therefore, experimental material characterization processes are conducted to determine the material properties of sheet metal and generate flow curves. In this regard, there are a number of procedures which are accompanied by varying experimental efforts. This paper presents various methods of determining flow curves for HCT590X as well as EN AW-6014, including varying specimen geometries and diverse hardening laws for extrapolation procedures. The flow curves thus generated are compared considering the variety of plastic strains occurring in mechanical joining processes. The material data generated are implemented in simulation models for the joining technologies, clinching and self-piercing riveting. The influence of the varied methods on the predictive accuracy of the simulation model is analysed. The evaluation of the differing flow curves is achieved by comparing the geometric formation of the joints and the required joining forces of the processes with experimentally investigated joints.

The number of multi-material joints is increasing as a result of lightweight design. Self-piercing riveting (SPR) is an important mechanical joining technique for multi-material structures. Rivets for SPR are coated to prevent corrosion, but this coating also influences the friction that prevails during the joining process. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate this influence. The investigation focuses on the common rivet coatings Almac® and zinc-nickel with topcoat as well as on uncoated rivet surfaces. First of all, the coating thickness and the uniformity of the coating distribution are analysed. Friction tests facilitate the classification of the surface properties. The influence of the friction on the characteristic joint parameters and the force-stroke curves is analysed by means of experimental joining tests. More in-depth knowledge of the effects that occur is achieved through the use of numerical simulation. Overall, it is shown that the surface condition of the rivet has an impact on the friction during the joining process and on the resulting joint. However, the detected deviations between different surface conditions do not restrict the operational capability of SPR and the properties of uncoated rivet surfaces, in particular, are similar to those of Almac®-coated rivets. It can thus be assumed that SPR with respect to the joining process is also possible without rivet coating in principle.

As a result of lightweight design, increased use is being made of high-strength steel and aluminium in car bodies. Self-piercing riveting is an established technique for joining these materials. The dissimilar properties of the two materials have led to a number of different rivet geometries in the past. Each rivet geometry fulfils the requirements of the materials within a limited range. In the present investigation, an improved rivet geometry is developed, which permits the reliable joining of two material combinations that could only be joined by two different rivet geometries up until now. Material combination 1 consists of high-strength steel on both sides, while material combination 2 comprises aluminium on the punch side and high-strength steel on the die side. The material flow and the stress and strain conditions prevailing during the joining process are analysed by means of numerical simulation. The rivet geometry is then improved step-by-step on the basis of this analysis. Finally, the improved rivet geometry is manufactured and the findings of the investigation are verified in experimental joining tests.