The State of the Art of Finite Element Analysis in Mechanical Clinching

Clinching technology is a mechanical connection technology that is applied to connect metal or non-metal sheet materials. It is widely used in different applications, such as automobile, aircraft, household appliances and other industries. In order to reduce weight, save energy, reduce fuel consumption, reduce pollution and curb global warming, lightweight structures with clinched joint are increasingly used in transportation. The finite element technology is popularized in engineering, so that it can get similar results with the test after investing less time, manpower, energy and material resources, which is conducive to the prediction and smooth progress of the test. A review of the finite element analysis of clinching technology is provided in the present paper. The article’s work also discusses the strength of the clinched joint, the factors influencing the clinched joint’s strength, the failure mechanism of the clinched joint, etc. Furthermore, the novel technologies of clinching as well as the finite element models and methods used in clinching, are introduced. The present paper’s main objective was to review the recent developments in the finite element analysis of clinching and provide a basis for further investigation in this area of research.