Riveting Process Induced Residual Stresses Around Solid Rivets in Mechanical Joints

Abstract

The interference fit provided by solid rivets introduces a residual stress field beneficial to the fatigue life of riveted joints. Evolution in riveting technology has led to force-controlled riveters which provide greater consistency over the rivet installation process and the resulting residual stress field. By reexamining the rivet installation process and its effects on the formation of residual stresses, the fatigue benefits of rivets could be further exploited. Using a 3-D finite element model, installation of universal and countersunk rivets in monolithic aluminum sheet has been studied. Aspects of accepted riveting practice, including the degree of rivet flushness and the rivet squeeze force were found to play significant roles in the formation of residual stresses. Residual stresses beneath the rivet head were also found to be influenced primarily by through-thickness compression of the joined sheets during riveting, challenging the traditional analogy of riveting to radial expansion processes.