A simplified analysis method for large proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack is proposed to obtain the optimal clamping force if the stack is subjected to an impact acceleration. The PEMFC stack is first simplified to an equivalent stiffness-mass model consisting of a number of springs and point masses in order to get the parameterized structural characteristics. Based on this model, the effects of the structural parameters and impact acceleration on the structural stress of components can be analyzed efficiently. We then discuss how to obtain the proper range of clamping force for a given PEMFC stack according to the structural strength, gas tightness, and non-slippage between the contact components under impact. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.