Theoretical Estimation of the Frictional Energy Dissipation in a Simple Lap Joint

Abstract

Some recent work on fretting fatigue in lap joints has shown that certain treatments of the joint contact surfaces greatly improve the fatigue life of the joint, and suggests that maximum benefit may be obtained by arranging for force transference within the joint to take place only by frictional resistance.A simple theoretical analysis of a simple lap joint is here presented which estimates the frictional energy dissipation, and concludes that, for any pressure distribution imposed along the joint faces by the rivet clamping force, the damping capacity of the joint is a maximum when force transference is only by friction throughout the joint.