Fretting wear behaviour in 6061-T6 aluminium alloy

In this study, fretting wear in riveted lap joints of aluminium alloy plates was investigated. For the fretting test, 6061-T6 aluminium alloy plates, which are widely used in aircraft construction, and blind rivets were used. Experiments were carried out using a computer controlled Instron testing machine. Fretting surface roughness, microhardness was investigated by metallographic techniques and scanning electron microscopy. Tensile load cycles in the riveted lap joint were found to cause damage to all surfaces. Two contact surfaces where friction occurs were investigated. The contact surface of the lower plate with the upper plate, and the contact surface of the lower plate with the rivet head. As load and cycles increased, fretting scars and surface roughness increased. Consequently, it has been determined that fretting damages occur between the contact surface of the plates and between the plate and the rivet contact surface.