A self-clinching fastener for hidden lap joints

This paper presents a new self-clinching fastener to connect two sheets (or plates), made from similar or dissimilar materials, placed over one another by means of mechanical form-closed joint that is hidden inside the sheets. The development fastener, definition its main design variables and identification workability limits are carried out combined experimental numerical simulation work based on finite elements. It shown pressing overlapped against each other displace material around annular groove shank create undercuts in both requires an appropriate choice variables. Wrong values resulting lack excess displaced plastic flow gives rise inappropriate lap joints cannot be used production. proposed allows, for first time ever, joining forming with use auxiliary elements harder than sheet materials fabricate invisible no protrusions applications requiring minimum installation space.