Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Clinching Process of Al5052-H32/Polyoxymethylene Hybrid Structure

Abstract

In the current study, the mechanical clinching process of the Al5052-H32/polyoxymethylene (POM) hybrid structure has been explored. The influence of diverse forming forces on the forming process of Al5052-H32/POM hybrid joints was discussed. The geometric parameters were measured to analyze the forming ability of the hybrid joints. The tensile-shear test and energy absorption calculation are accomplished to estimate the joinability and reliability of joints. The failure microstructure was observed to analyze the failure mechanism. The conclusions have shown that the hybrid structure between Al5052-H32 and POM sheets can be effectively connected through mechanical clinching technology (MCT) as the forming force is greater than 22 kN. Two failure modes were observed in the tensile-shear testing, including button separation and neck fracture. Increasing the forming force led to the enhancement of the joint strength and energy absorption. Nonetheless, the tensile-shear load is basically uncharged when the forming force is large.