An Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Riveted Single Lap Joints

Abstract

Countersunk and snap riveted single lap joints have been examined both experimentally and numerically. A total of 11 specimens were fatigued to failure with failures occurring in either the plate or the rive***r. The failures have been metallurgically examined to determine the cause of failure.The joints have also been analysed using the finite element method. Initially a single lap joint has been modelled as a ‘stepped plate’ and the results for the stress concentration factor found to be in reasonable agreement with published data. However, the stress concentration for this joint occurred at a point away from the point of failure of a riveted joint.A fuller three-dimensional finite element model has been constructed and the stress patterns around the rivet determined. These stress patterns are discussed in relation to the results from the metallurgical examination.