Rivet loads in a single-row three-rivet lap joint using 3D numerical simulations

Abstract

In the conventional design procedures of riveted lap joints, it is assumed that rivets share equal load, which is seldom true as found in the research literature pertaining to fatigue and fracture. In order to understand this point, in the present study, a single-row three-rivet lap joint is modelled and analyzed using three-dimensional (3D) finite elements (FE) considering the geometrical, material and contact nonlinearities along with the secondary bending effects of the lap joint and the rivet loads are obtained before and after the rivet yielding. 3D FE modelling of the riveted joints has the advantage over the 2D FE modelling of the riveted joints (with 1D modelling of the rivets), as it does not need prior knowledge of the load-displacement curve for rivet (rivet stiffness). Present study re-confirms the fact that although rivets share unequal loads in the elastic regime, they share nearly equal load in the plastic regime thus justifying the adequacy of conventional design methodology of riveted joints.