Crimp joint with low sensitivity to process parameters: numerical and experimental study

Conventional crimp joints show high sensitivity to process conditions which makes it difficult to ensure joint quality. Low sensitivity of a joint to process conditions increases the structural integrity and performance of the product, yielding a more reliable structure. In this work, we address this problem and propose a new type of crimp joint. First the sensitivity of the joint to the crimping process parameters is investigated numerically, i.e. the crimping tool stroke, friction conditions, and the range of tolerances. The results provide a mechanical interpretation for the scatter of burst pressure at conventional crimp joints and that the sensitivity of the proposed joint to process parameters is practically negligible. The numerical model of the proposed joint is validated experimentally and good agreement between the numerical and experimental measurements is observed. Graphical abstract