Incremental laser shock adhesive-clinching of Al/adhesive/Al/steel: Numerical simulation and experimental validation

This paper proposes the incremental laser shock adhesive-clinching technology (ILSAC) as a novel joining method for ultra-thin sheets. The ILSAC process enables the creation of linear-clinch-bonded hybrid joints with continuous and straight-line interlocking structures through laser beam scanning. No heat-affected zones exist and large-area connection can be easily achieved. Experiments and simulations are conducted to explore the ILSAC for Al/adhesive/Al and pre-slotted stainless steel sheets. The results show that the ILSAC can effectively produce hybrid joints exhibiting enhanced tensile strength and load-bearing capacity.