Variation Simulation of Dissimilar Materials Using Clip Fasteners

Paper in proceeding, 2016

The use, and the joining process, of dissimilar materials have recently been highlighted. Joining of dissimilar materials can however be problematic, due to different material properties. Different materials respond differently to temperature changes and this might lead to deformations and stress in the final assembly. The joining methods differ also often from the one used to join similar material. Variation simulation is used to predict the geometrical variation of a subassembly or a final product. In variation simulation of dissimilar materials it is important to include material properties in order to achieve an accurate result. Also the effects form joining method must be included in the simulation. To join dissimilar materials like plastic and sheet metal parts, clip fasteners are often used. This paper presents a method for variation simulation of dissimilar materials with a focus on how to model clip fasteners. The method allows effects of temperature changes on holding forces and geometrical variation in the final assembly to be evaluated. Holding force refers to the force a clip fastener must withstand after the parts are joined. The method proposed can be used to support the design and selection of clip fasteners.