Application limits of a method to predict distortion caused by mechanical joining technologies in car body construction

This paper deals with the determination of application limits of an already presented method [1] to predict distortion of joined car body assemblies caused by mechanical joining technologies. The investigated method is particularly developed concerning the demands coming from the application in the automotive body production. Parameter studies in simulation and experiment are presented which show the influence of pre-straining and clamping on the joints properties and dimensional accuracy of the assembly. The gained cognitions allow conclusions about the quality of prediction of dimensional accuracy using the proposed simplified model in different joining situations. Finally, the investigated method is applied to a car body assembly.