Strength modeling of Al-alloy sheet self-piercing riveting considering different failure modes

Abstract

Abstract Self-piercing riveting (SPR) has been widely utilized to connect metal components in industry, and the mechanical properties of final product depend on the strength of SPR joint which is experimentally measured through cross-tension and lap-shear tests. These tests are destructive and the tested strength of specimen is not directly related to the actual strength of the SPR product. In this study, the SPR process of aluminum alloy sheet was investigated and the general empirical model of SPR strength was established by comprehensively considering the factors including of the geometric dimensions of components and die, the material properties of rivet and sheet, and the load - stroke curve of punch. The calculated strength values of 4 group of SPR specimens were verified by the experimentally measured results. All calculation errors are lower than 8%. An industrial internet of things (IIoT) was developed to automatically realize the data transmission and strength calculation of the SPR process.