Static and Impact Behavior of Self-Pierced Rivet Connections in Aluminum

Abstract

Self-pierced riveted (SPR) connections in aluminum coupons were tested to evaluate their static and impact performance for automotive vehicle applications. The variables studied included: top gage, bottom gage, rivet size, adhesive, pre-strain, rivet location, strain-rate, and temperature. The SPR connections were tested for coach peel, u-tension, and lap shear modes. A variable importance assessment as well as the estimated effect of the variables on peak force and energy absorption was determined. The failure modes observed during testing were consistent. From this study, it was found that the top gage, bottom gage, and temperature were very sensitive for coach peel, u-tension, and lap shear. Additionally, adhesive was found to be important for shear loading, strain-rate increased the peak force when adhesive was present and, rivet size had a significant effect on both u-tension and coach peel modes. The effect of pre-strain and rivet location was minimal, and therefore their effect in the design process can be considered minimal.