Assembly sequence optimization for minimizing the riveting path and overall dimensional error

Abstract

Due to the complexities of calculations based on different representations of constituent parts in an assembly, the combined improvement of efficiency and precision for the riveting has seldom been studied by the sequence planning or dimensional engineering. This article develops an assembly sequence optimization method that simultaneously minimizes the path length and overall dimensional error for the solid riveting. The sequence is denoted by the order of classifications for the nodes around the rivet holes in the finite element model for the assembly. Ant colony algorithm is applied on the optimization by integrating two calculations, that is, the length calculation of riveting path and the calculation of the dimensional error related to rivet upsetting directions and assembly sequence. Results for three assemblies are presented which show a good degree of optimization in performance for different scales of assemblies with different numbers of rivets that share the same solid riveting process.