Quasi-static and dynamic deformation of double-hat thin-walled elements of vehicle controlled body crushing zones joined by clinching

A controlled body crushing zones are of considerable interest to automotive industry. The most popular technique of joining deformable zone components is spot welding. This paper presents a new technique of joining these elements using a metal forming process called clinching. Two methods of clinching: round press joining (RPJ) and square press joining (SPJ) are considered. Quasi – static and dynamic crushing tests of thin-walled specimens joined by clinching were carried out. The results show that clinch joining could be applied in controlled body crushing zones.